Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney has confirmed that he will represent Everton next month in Duncan Ferguson's testimonial.
The boyhood Toffees fan started his career at Goodison Park, during which time he made 77 senior appearances prior to his £25m switch to United in 2004.
His relationship with Everton supporters has been fractious since his departure, but he will play in front of them in a blue shirt once again on August 2 as a tribute to his former teammate.
"I cannot think of a better way to thank Dunc for all he did for me than turning out," Everton's official Twitter feed quotes Rooney as saying.
Meanwhile, Ferguson, who is a member of Roberto Martinez's coaching staff on Merseyside, added: "I'm absolutely delighted that the wee man has agreed to play in the game."
The match, which will see Everton take on Villarreal, will be played just six days before United open up their 2015-16 Premier League campaign at home to Tottenham Hotspur.
Liam Apicella
