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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

VIDEO: Wayne Rooney's Everton return 11 years after joining Manchester United

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.

Wayne Rooney of Everton and Manchester United gets ready for Duncan Ferguson's Testimonial match between Everton and Villarreal at Goodison Park
Wayne Rooney of Everton and Manchester United gets ready for Duncan Ferguson's Testimonial match between Everton and Villarreal at Goodison Park
Wayne Rooney prepares for his Everton comeback
Wayne Rooney prepares for his Everton comeback

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.

Wayne Rooney and Duncan Ferguson before linking up in attack
Wayne Rooney and Duncan Ferguson before linking up in attack
Dream team? The shirts of Duncan Ferguson and Wayne Rooney in the Everton home dressing room
Dream team? The shirts of Duncan Ferguson and Wayne Rooney in the Everton home dressing room

“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.

Wayne Rooney starts an attack against Villarreal
Wayne Rooney starts an attack against Villarreal
Wayne Rooney replaces Tom Cleverley and re-emerges as an Everton player
Wayne Rooney replaces Tom Cleverley and re-emerges as an Everton player

“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.”

Roberto Martinez tells Wayne Rooney what he has to do to earn an Everton contract
Roberto Martinez tells Wayne Rooney what he has to do to earn an Everton contract

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.”

Wayne Rooney hugs Duncan Ferguson at the final whistle
Wayne Rooney hugs Duncan Ferguson at the final whistle
Wayne Rooney lines up for Everton
Wayne Rooney lines up for Everton
Wayne Rooney and Duncan Ferguson celebrate their short-lived attacking partnership
Wayne Rooney and Duncan Ferguson celebrate their short-lived attacking partnership