Altidore in dreamland after Villarreal move

Jun 11, 2008 - 9:35 PM VILLARREAL, Spain (Ticker) -- American striker Jozy Altidore has described his move to Spanish Primera Liga club Villarreal as a "dream come true" but knows that he may have to go out on loan before playing for the Yellow Submarine.

The 18-year-old, who joined Villarreal from the New York Red Bulls in a $10 million deal, was introduced by the Spanish club at a press conference on Wednesday.

"Coming to the Spanish league with Villarreal is a dream come true," the United States interntional said. "Everything is very exciting and I do not feel any pressure."

Altidore knows some Americans have struggled when they first make the step up from Major League Soccer to top-level European football - most notably when fellow teenage phenom Freddy Adu made the move to Benfica last season - and he is open to a loan move before trying to break into the Villarreal side.

"I've been playing soccer since I was three years old," he said. "It's my real passion. That's why I want to progress here, that would be very important for me. However, if Villarreal believes I have to get experience at another club, I will do it as well."

Altidore first broke into the New York side at the age of 16, and has scored 15 goals in 37 appearances.