Messi, Ronaldo welcome at Levante, jokes Martinez

Levante coach Juan Ignacio Martinez has spoken positively about both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi ahead of the Ballon d’Or vote.

The 48-year-old believes both players are incredible and jokingly invited the pair to play for Levante 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 on Sunday.

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.

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