I Still Love Manchester United - Giuseppe Rossi

In the build-up to Manchester United's Champions League Group E visit to Villarreal's El Madrigal stadium, the Red Devils spent a lot of time praising Giuseppe Rossi.

The Yellow Submarine striker has been making great strides in his career since leaving Old Trafford in search of first-team football, establishing himself as a key player for his new club and forcing his way into the Italy set-up.

United gaffer Sir Alex Ferguson told anyone who would listen that he had a buy-back clause written into Rossi's contract when he sold him - one which he won't rule out activating.

The game itself was a damp squib - a convenient 0-0 draw that sees both teams qualify for the knock-out stage - but Rossi admits that it was a great occasion on a personal level.

"I really enjoyed it," he told United's official website. "It was tough, because we were playing a team of real quality, but the result was good.

"It was really special for me. I spent three great years with United.

"I still look out for United’s results, always. I left some great friends back in Manchester... some great team-mates, too."

He was, however, keen to reiterate that he's contented in Spain when asked about a possible return to England.

"We’re doing well in La Liga - we’re third - and now we’re doing it in the Champions League as well.

"I like the set-up, the lifestyle and the football we’re playing. Now we'll try to go as far as possible."

Still, Rossi's name will certainly be mentioned by Ferguson should he seek a replacement for unsettled forward Carlos Tevez.

Greg Ptolomey, Goal.com