In an emotional and candid admission, Marc Márquez has expressed regret over not having a better relationship with the legendary Valentino Rossi. The two riders, who have been central figures in MotoGP for over a decade, have had a complicated and often controversial history together. Márquez, reflecting on his career and the impact Rossi has had on the sport, admitted that he now feels a deep sense of admiration for the Italian icon.

“I regret not having a good relationship with Rossi,” Márquez said in an interview with Tuttomotoriweb. “The admiration for him comes from everything he has done for MotoGP, not just for his wins. He is a rider who can attract more attention than anyone else and has taught us a lot on the track.” Márquez’s words underscore the respect he has for Rossi, who, despite their past differences, is undeniably one of the greatest riders in the history of the sport.

Rossi, known for his charisma, on-track talent, and ability to capture the imagination of fans, has been a cornerstone of MotoGP for over two decades. His rivalry with Márquez, particularly during the 2015 season, was one of the most talked-about storylines in the sport’s history. The two were involved in numerous controversies, which fueled a deep divide between them. However, in hindsight, Márquez now acknowledges Rossi’s unparalleled contribution to the sport and his ability to inspire millions of fans worldwide.

Márquez also revealed his disappointment at not being able to attend the final tribute to Rossi when he retired from MotoGP. Due to his own recovery at the time, Márquez was unable to participate in the special event held to honor Rossi’s illustrious career. Reflecting on the missed opportunity, Márquez expressed his genuine sadness. “I would have been happy if I could have attended the event at that time,” he admitted. “It would have been a way for me to show my respect for everything he achieved in MotoGP.”

As a young boy, Márquez had always looked up to Rossi, alongside another great Spanish rider, Dani Pedrosa. “When I was little, I had posters of two riders—his (Rossi’s) and Dani Pedrosa,” Márquez shared. He recalled how, in Spain, the rivalry between fans of Jorge Lorenzo and Pedrosa was intense, but his admiration for both Rossi and Pedrosa transcended that divide. Márquez also mentioned that he learned a lot from both riders, especially from Pedrosa, whom he met personally in 2013. “Apart from that, I also learned a lot from him,” Márquez said, reflecting on his time spent with his fellow Spaniard.

Márquez’s regret and heartfelt confession about his relationship with Rossi is a reminder of the complexities that come with professional rivalries. While MotoGP fans were often caught up in the tension between the two, it is clear that Márquez now recognizes the importance of Rossi’s influence on the sport. As Rossi has now retired, Márquez seems to have come to terms with the fact that, despite their differences, the Italian will always be one of the sport’s greatest ambassadors.

For many, it is a shame that the two riders never managed to reconcile during their careers. Their rivalry, filled with dramatic moments and public feuds, overshadowed what could have been a legendary friendship in the paddock. Nonetheless, as Márquez’s confession demonstrates, the mutual respect between them is undeniable, even if it came too late for a full reconciliation.

In the end, MotoGP fans can only look back at the rivalry between Marc Márquez and Valentino Rossi with mixed emotions. They were two of the most talented riders of their generation, and their paths crossed in some of the most intense and unforgettable moments in racing history. While their relationship may never have fully blossomed into friendship, it is clear that the admiration and respect between them, especially from Márquez’s perspective, will live on long after Rossi’s departure from the sport.