"I didn't know what to expect" - Wayne Rooney on his one-off Everton return from Man Utd

Wayne Rooney admits he wasn't sure whether he would receive a good reception from the Everton fans but expressed his delight after he was cheered when coming on as a substitute in Duncan Ferguson's testimonial.

Rooney pulled on a blue shirt for the first time in 11 years when he came on with 15 minutes left against Villarreal on Sunday.

His departure from Goodison for Man Utd in 2004 was an acrimonious one, and he has regularly received a hot reception on his returns to Merseyside since.

However, there has been a softening of relations between Rooney and his boyhood club in recent years, culminating in his one-off return for his childhood idol Ferguson.

Rooney was cheered by the crowd as he warmed up and received a rousing reception as he took to the field, a noise only bettered by the introduction of Ferguson a few minutes later.

Speaking after the game, Rooney said:

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

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

"I was delighted with the fans’ reaction because I didn’t know what to expect. But it was great for my kids today, as well, to see me in an Everton shirt.

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

"Before the game it was the most nervous I’ve seen him. He deserved this day and this game.

"It was nice to get some minutes on the pitch alongside Duncan, I was delighted with that and we nearly got back in it."