He might not have been able to break into the Manchester United first team, but his form at Villarreal shows why Alex Ferguson rated him so highly
New Jersey-born Rossi was spotted playing in a youth tournament for Parma by Manchester United in 2002. After three years in the youth and reserve teams at Old Trafford, he made his full United debut in 2005. He played five times for United and scored a long range effort at Sunderland.
Rossi was loaned to Newcastle at the start of the 2006-07 season, but featured just 11 times and went on loan to his childhood club Parma for the remainder of the season. Nine goals in 19 Serie A games helped Parma stay up and saw Villarreal offer €10 million for his talents.
He scored on his Villarreal debut against neighbours Valencia and netted an impressive 11 goals in 27 league game during his first season. Although only 5ft 8in, Rossi is a hugely effective and quick forward with an instinct for goal.
Rossi has represented Italy at five different levels including the U21’s at the Beijing Olympics where he scored four goals. He won his first full international cap against Bulgaria in October 2008.