Rossi - Point to prove

Villarreal forward eager to defeat stuttering United

By Francisco Acedo   Last updated: 25th November 2008

Rossi - Point to prove

Rossi: Ready to shine

I have seen many United matches this season and they are not playing to the level of last season. They are not invinicible.

Giuseppe Rossi
Quotes of the week

Related links

Teams

Players

Also see

Former Manchester United starlet Giuseppe Rossi has told skysports.com he is relishing the prospect of taking on his old team-mates at El Madrigal on Tuesday night.

The 21-year-old striker left United for Villarreal last year but missed the opening Group E fixture between the sides this season through injury.

Sir Alex Ferguson has already hinted that he may make a return for the American-born Italian thanks to a buy-back clause included in Rossi's £6.6 million contract with the Liga giants.

Maturity

Both teams have the chance to secure top spot for the UEFA Champions League's last 16 with victory though and Rossi is refusing to be distracted by speculation.

"For me it is a special match. I have played in Manchester United and I was delighted with the experience," he told skysports.com exclusively.

"With one point we progress but our dream is to win at home against the English and finish top of our group.

"I have a lot of respect for Ferguson but if I score I will celebrate. This is a very important match and we want to maintain our unbeaten record against United.

"For me this match is not a personal challenge. I was convinced I would get the chance to prove myself in Manchester, but instead I arrived here still very young.

"I have matured and am now showing what I can offer at the top level."

Opportunity

Both teams had to settle for a point in their respective away games in matchday four and Rossi believes United are vulnerable at the moment.

"I have seen many United matches this season and they are not playing to the level of last season. They are not invincible," he added.

"They want to show why they are the champions of Europe and for us this is a final.

"Cristiano Ronaldo is perhaps the best player in the world today, but we are not obsessed with the Portuguese.

"If we dominate the game it is impossible to lose."

The youngster scored in the 2-2 draw away at Aalborg last time out and should get the chance to prove his quality from the start at El Madrigal with Villarreal suffering through injury up front."

Post to your View!

Be the first to post a comment on this story

Add Comment*

Send us your views

Are you a Sky Sports subscriber?

*All fields required, your email address will be kept private