Leicester City vs Everton: Roberto Martinez hails 'inspirational' Foxes ahead of league clash

Everton manager Roberto Martinez says Leicester City's Premier League title triumph is a "fairytale" story. The Foxes have shocked the football world by winning the Premier League this season and Martinez admitted their success has been "remarkable".

The Everton boss also paid tribute to Leicester manager Claudio Ranieri, whose team face Everton at the King Power Stadium on Saturday (7 May). The Spaniard said Leicester's success is a source of inspiration to other clubs in English football.

"It has been a remarkable journey for Ranieri and his men to maintain their intensity and concentration," he said at a pre-match press conference, according to the Liverpool Echo. "They're a real inspiration not just in football but in sport. It has been a fairytale in the modern game."

Martinez, who has come under pressure from Everton supporters in recent weeks, said Leicester's title triumph is the result of the Italian manager's hard work and planning.

"Ranieri deserves incredible credit and plaudits. Everything has been well measured, showed good experience to protect the squad," the Everton boss reflected. "What Leicester has achieved is an incredible reward and a deserved reward in probably the most competitive league. It's no accident."

Martinez did, however, admit that Leicester's success is unlikely to be repeated any time soon. "It's a great inspiration for any team sport, to dream high. But you need to be realistic. It won't be repeated easily," he said.

"I don't think clubs work at what others are doing, you have your own structure, plan and process. Everyone will have an opinion, but I just see it as an inspirational example, to be celebrated. You haven't seen a story like Leicester in the Premier League."