Wayne Rooney to make playing return for Everton

Calm down, Manchester United fans, your captain, and only fit senior striker, hasn't left.

But you will have to get used to seeing him in an Everton kit again... for one night at least. Wayne Rooney is set to play in former teammate Duncan Ferguson's testimonial, a player the United captain has described as his "hero." The game at Goodison Park, on August 2nd against Spanish side Villarreal, will be Rooney's first for the club since joining Manchester United in August 2004 for £25.6 million. The 29 year old hasn't exactly been welcomed back with open arms since his controversial departure. Rooney had previously pledged his loyalty to Everton, before moving to United and further angering Evertonians by kissing United's badge during a game at Goodison Park in 2008. However, it seems as though nothing would stop Rooney from missing Ferguson's testimonial. The Scottish centre-forward played for Everton for 10 years, over three spells, and is now a coach at the club. He was Rooney's favourite player and teammate when he broke into the Toffees' first team in 2002. It also appears Rooney still identifies himself as a an "Evertonian." "As a young lad growing up in Croxteth Duncan Ferguson was a hero of mine, as a young player at the club 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. Had he not asked me to play I would have gone and supported him on the day as I am sure most other Evertonians will." Ferguson is also happy his friend will be involved, saying: "I’m absolutely delighted that the wee man has agreed to play in the game. Everybody knows that we go way back. I knew him as a kid, he’s a top man and I’m proud as his friend that he’s fulfilled the potential we always knew was there. Wayne’s a world-class player and I’m genuinely thrilled that he will play on the day, just as I’m so grateful to the club for putting on this game." The game will be played just six days before United's opening game of the Premier League season, on August 8th against Spurs. If no new striker arrives at Old Trafford in the meantime, the game could be a nervous watch for United fans. H/T The Guardian.