Former Manchester United striker Giuseppe Rossi has been given a glowing endorsement by Manchester City defender Micah Richards.

United were forced to sell Rossi to Villarreal this summer after the Italian demanded regular first team action and Richards hints they have lost a genuine future star.

Richards, who dominated Carlos Tevez on Sunday, said of Rossi: "I've got to give him credit. We've had some good battles and he's probably the most technically gifted played I've faced."