Wayne Rooney returned to Goodison Park to play in an Everton team for the first time in 11 years – and was delighted with the warm welcome he received.

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.

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

“I was delighted with the fans’ reaction,” Rooney said 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.”

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.