VIDEO: Wayne Rooney's Everton return 11 years after joining Manchester United
Former Goodison Park favourite pulls on a blue shirt once again for Duncan Ferguson's testimonial
Wayne Rooney turned out for Everton today, 11 years after his bitter move from Goodison Park to Manchester United.
The England skipper came off the bench with 15 minutes left of Everton's final pre-season friendly against Villarreal - which was also Duncan Ferguson's testimonial.
Ferguson, now 43, played the final few minutes to rapturous applause but could not prevent Villarreal winning 2-1.
Ferguson, who spent 10 years as a player with the Toffees, scored 72 goals in 230 appearances.
He is now a coach under manager Roberto Martinez and Rooney was delighted to play a part in making his day memorable.
Rooney said: "As a young lad, Duncan Ferguson was a hero of mine. He was an inspiration and when I broke into the first team he helped and looked after me.
“I cannot think of a better way to thank Dunc for all he did for me than turning out in his fully-deserved testimonial match.”
Ferguson himself said: "When Wayne came into the first team he made the step upeffortlessly. The top players just do it.
“He came up the first day and he was shy as I say, but a day or so later that didn’t stop him kicking lumps out of you!
"Wayne could make anyone look good. I am sure he was looking and watching the experienced players but he was a top player, who just got on with it.”
Rooney has often a hostile reception when playing against Everton and was even left out by manager Sir Alex Ferguson but those hostilities were suspended this afternoon as their one-time idol swapped his red for blue.
An emotional Ferguson said: "It felt amazing when they read out my name again. What Wayne did today shows what it means to him. It was incredible for him in these colours.”
“I’d like to thank my chairman. He’s backed me all the time. He’s been incredible. Thank you, chairman I love you.”