Former Valencia striker Fernando Morientes has said that he wants his old club to beat Monaco in their Champions League playoff tie.

The two teams are set to meet in the first leg of their clash this evening at the Mestalla, with the return meeting scheduled for next Tuesday.

Despite spending a season at Monaco and helping the Ligue 1 club to reach the Champions League final, Morientes has admitted that he would rather see Los Che reach the group stages of the competition.

"I want Valencia to win. I hope it's a good game and Valencia win. I have excellent memories of both teams," he told AS.

"I still have a lot of friends in Valencia and I go there a lot. As a player there I won the only trophy missing, the Copa del Rey. I'm more than a fan when it comes to Valencia.

"I also had an unforgettable time at Monaco. They treated me great and we also did the unthinkable, reach the final of the Champions League and knock out Chelsea."

Morientes scored 33 goals during his three-year spell at Valencia.