Rossi, 20, was presented by Villarreal on Wednesday after completing his move from Manchester United in an estimated £6million deal.

The Italy Under-21 international will help boost Villarreal's attacking options following the recent departure of star striker Forlan to Atletico Madrid, but Rossi does not want to be seen as someone who is stepping into the Uruguay international's boots.

"He is a great striker and he scored a lot of goals here in three years," Rossi said of Forlan, who also made the move from Manchester United to Villarreal back in 2004.

"But I want to win my own place and not be a substitute for Forlan."

Rossi, who has signed a six-year contract with the 'Yellow Submarine', spent last season on loan at Italian side Parma, where he netted nine goals to help them avoid relegation.

The New Jersey-born forward is now looking forward to playing in La Liga and hitting the goal trail at his new club.

"I hope to be able to score many goals to help the team," said Rossi on Wednesday.

"I have seen a lot of Spanish football on television when I was in England and I liked it.

"As well as that, Villarreal are a great team and they have shown it in the effort they have made to sign me."

Of his new team-mates, Rossi already knows plenty about former France winger Robert Pires.

"He is a great player. I have already seen him play at Arsenal. He has a lot of titles and experience," Rossi added.

Villarreal president Fernando Roig said of their new addition: "He is a young player who we have followed for a long time, and in whom we place a lot of confidence. He scores goals, which is what we need."