Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney will be playing for Everton at ex-teammate Duncan Ferguson's testimonial after 11 years against Spanish side Villareal on 2 August.
England captain Rooney played for Everton at the age of 16. There Ferguson was the man who helped Rooney develop as a player.
"As a young lad growing up in Croxteth (in Liverpool), 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 Duncan 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," Rooney said in an interview to goal.com on Wednesday.
Rooney is currently touring with his side Manchester United in the US for the International Champions Cup. United have kick-started their pre-season with two back-to-back wins over Club America in the first game, in which new signing Morgan Schneiderlin headed the solitary winning goal in the fifth minute of the match from a Juan Mata cross.
And in the second game they defeated San Jose Earthquakes by 3-1. Memphis Depay was delighted to get his name on the scoresheet. Mata and Brazilian youngster Andres Pereira scored one goal each to help United register a comfortable victory.
Up next, they have Barcelona on Saturday and they will play the final game of this tour against Paris Saint Germain (PSG).
