Messi and Ronaldo are welcome to join Levante jokes coach Martinez

Messi and Ronaldo are welcome to join Levante, jokes coach Martinez

11 Nov 2012 12:45:00 PM

The Valencia-based club's trainer praised the duo and jokingly invited them to play for the team in future, whilst also focusing on Sunday's game against Real Madrid

Levante head coach Juan Ignacio Martinez has spoken positively about both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi ahead of the hotly-contested Ballon d'Or vote.

The 48-year-old believes both players are incredible and jokingly invited the pair to play for the Granotes in future.

"I cannot vote, but I think those two players are sensational, two great players," Martinez told reporters. "They are both welcome to come here!"

On a more serious note, Martinez has told his side to forget last year's shock 1-0 win over Real Madrid when Jose Mourinho's side visit the Ciutat de Valencia this weekend.

He said: "They are different games and now Madrid are much more grounded. It was the first time we beat them at home in about 100 years of our history.

"There were a couple of controversial moments, but Mourinho congratulated us and praised us [for the performance].

"Madrid will give us very few chances. They are not dependent on a number of players because they have a big squad."

Sunday's game kicks off at 21:30 CET.