Wayne Rooney And Everton

Wayne Rooney says Everton return was 'weird' as England striker stars alongside Duncan Ferguson in testimonial match

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney says it felt 'weird' to pull on an Everton shirt 11 years since leaving Goodison Park after appearing in Duncan Ferguson's testimonial.

The 29-year-old, who once famously branded himself 'once a blue, always a blue', made a cameo appearance as Roberto Martinez's men fell to a 2-1 defeat against Spanish side Villarreal.

Rooney admitted afterwards that he wasn't sure what kind of reception he would receive from the Everton faithful, who have booed him in the past, but was delighted with the positive atmostphere.

"It's nice to come back here and the fans gave me a great reception, which obviously I was delighted with," Rooney told EvertonTV.

"Most importantly it was a big day for Duncan and he really enioyed the game and it was nice to see him back on the pitch again.

"It was a bit different today, going into the home dressing room again. It was a bit weird at first but as I say didn't know what to expect with the reception but it was a great reception.

"I was delighted with the fans' reaction. You never know what to expect but it was great for me, my kids and Coleen as well today and for them to see me in an Everton shirt."

Rooney is expected to be United's sole striker as Louis van Gaal's men take on Tottenham Hotspur this weekend in the Premier League's curtain-raiser at Old Trafford.

Source : http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football

The Manchester United and England captain is a lifelong Everton supporter and came up through the ranks with the Toffees before leaving for Old Trafford in 2004.

He has since gone on to win five Premier League titles and the Champions League - but he was often subject to jeers and negative chants when returning to his former club with United.

On Sunday he turned out for Duncan Ferguson's testimonial match against Villarreal, playing the final 15 minutes alongside the retired forward who he idolised.

"'It was a bit different today, going into the home dressing room again," said Rooney.

"It was a bit weird at first but as I say didn't know what to expect with the reception but it was a great reception."


 "I was delighted with the fans' reaction," Rooney added after the game.

"I didn't know what to expect but it was great for me and my kids, to see me once in an Everton shirt. It brought back some good old memories.

"I enjoyed it. It is nice to come back here and the fans gave me a great reception which obviously I was delighted with.

"Most importantly it was a big day for Duncan and he really enioyed the game and it was nice to see him back on the pitch again."

There was to be no grand return for either Rooney or Ferguson as goals from Gerard and Nahuel put Villarreal two goals up before young defender Ty Browning scored a late consolation as the visitors won 2-1.

Rooney struck a marvellous effort as he looked to mark his emotional homecoming with a goal - but the 29-year-old was more bothered about the memorable day for Ferguson.

"It was nice to get some minutes on the pitch alongside Duncan," Rooney added.

"I saw a bit of space and thought I would try my luck, unfortunately it didn't go in but it was a great occasion and great to get out on the pitch with Duncan again.

"Most importantly it was a big day for Duncan and he really enjoyed the game and it was good to see him back on the pitch.

"Of course, it was a bit different today. Going into the home dressing room again was a bit weird at first. I didn't know what to expect with the reception but it was great and I really appreciate it."

(Source:http://asia.eurosport.com/football)

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