Valencia vs Levante preview - Rodriguez prepares for last hurrah

Posted Sunday, May 15, 2011 by PA

Valencia midfielder Vicente Rodriguez is set to say goodbye to the club's fans as he plays his last home game for the club at the Mestalla in the Primera Division against his former team Levante.

Vicente has spent 11 years at Valencia since signing from the club's city rivals in 2000 and has been part of some great sides down the years, winning two La Liga titles, a UEFA Cup, a European Supercup and a Copa del Rey.

The last two seasons have been difficult, however, and the winger admits to mixed feelings about his departure.

"On the one hand I'm sad because I would like to have left as a first-team starter - to have appeared more for the team in the last year," he said.

"But on the other hand I will always remember the good times we had, when we won trophies here - those are great memories."

Vicente is set for a bench role, but is likely to have the chance to feature against his former club at some stage.

There is uncertainty at Valencia, however, with few players knowing where their future lies due to the club's delicate economic situation.

Unai Emery's side need just a point from their last two matches to seal third place and automatic qualification for next season's Champions League.

Levante, meanwhile, are all but safe from relegation after picking up a valuable point at home to Barcelona on Wednesday night.

That leaves the promoted side five points clear of the drop zone with only six left to play for and coach Luis Garcia hopes his side can seal survival at Mestalla.

"If we can achieve our objective at Mestalla, it will be something very special for the fans," he said.