Wayne Rooney: 'Everton the only club I'd play for after Manchester United'England captain Rooney thanks Everton and United for agreeing to August testimonial at Old TraffordWayne Rooney insists that Everton are the only Premier League club he would play for if he left Manchester United.
The England striker made the admission as he thanked both clubs for helping to making his summer testimonial happen on August 3.
Rooney, 30, will donate all the cash from his Old Trafford game to a range of charities including Alder Hey Children's hospital and Claire House hospice on Merseyside.
The former Blues prodigy, who left Goodison for £26m in 2004, said: "For me there could not be a more special testimonial match.
"Manchester United and Everton are the only clubs I have played for as a professional footballer. I am happy to say now that, whatever may happen in the future, I will never play for another Premier League club.
“I owe United and Everton everything for giving me my footballing opportunities. Through the Wayne Rooney Foundation I want to put something back and, at the same time, say a heartfelt thanks to everyone at these great clubs who ever helped me in my career.
“Everton and United, along with my family, gave me the support and opportunity to help me achieve my goals and dreams. Having a young family of my own makes me realise it’s vital that every child gets the opportunity to grow up surrounded by love and support to give them a chance of fulfilling their potential.
“I hope The Wayne Rooney Foundation and its charity partners can improve and inspire the lives of children disadvantaged by family breakdown, abuse, health issues or lack of educational opportunities.”
Rooney's relationship with the fan-base of the club he grew up supporting became fraught in the years after his departure, but has improved in recent times.
He was applauded when he returned to Goodison last August to play in Duncan Ferguson's testimonial, and wear the Blue shirt once again. And the Three Lions captain has taken son Kai to watch games at Goodison.
Everton chairman Bill Kenwright said he was thrilled to be able to help with Rooney's special game. “I couldn’t be more proud today of the young man who I first saw as an extraordinary 13-year-old," he said.
"I was thrilled for him last August when Goodison Park showed him its admiration as he ran on to the pitch for his first hero, Duncan Ferguson’s testimonial.
"Subsequently, it was one of the easiest decisions we have ever made at Everton in agreeing to support Wayne's testimonial by playing Manchester United at Old Trafford this August.
"We will try to win, Wayne, I promise you – but we will nonetheless be saluting one of our own who has gone on to become one of sport’s great icons. And who still retains all of the genius, passion, and love for the game that was there when he was thirteen.”
Toffees skipper Phil Jagielka is looking forward to the occasion. He said: "I am delighted to be involved. It’s fantastic that he has chosen to play against us.
“Obviously, he was given his chance by [Everton] and it’s nice that he feels it will be a fantastic game and that we can put a show on.
“Hopefully, we can raise a lot of money for the charities and everyone has a fantastic day. It’s a fantastic feat to have done what he’s done in the game and I am really looking forward to playing in the game and hopefully getting the win as well.”
The game will mark the start of a year of fundraising events by Rooney's Foundation aimed at raising £5m for disadvantaged and vulnerable children.
It will also give fans their first chance to see Jose Mourinho’s new-look Manchester United at the Theatre of Dreams in what will be the first fully competitive pre-season fixture to be played at United’s home ground for two years.
Mourinho said: “Wayne is and has been England’s best player for over a decade and this game will be a fitting tribute to everything he has achieved.
"I’m looking forward to what will be a very special night for us both. I’m sure the fans will make this a memorable occasion and help Wayne to raise a lot of money to help support vulnerable children.”
Tickets for the Wayne Rooney Testimonial Match between Manchester United and Everton on 3 August are available today from £25 for Adults and just £10 for under-16‘s.
The game will kick off at 8pm.
David Pastor, CEO of Claire House Children’s Hospice, said: “Nothing can be more traumatic than the death of a child. Thanks to the Wayne Rooney Foundation we will be able to reach more families helping them smile when life couldn’t get any tougher.“
Clare White CEO of Alder Hey Children‘s Charity, said: “Wayne, Coleen and their families have been amazing supporters for many years. The Wayne Rooney Foundation will provide funds which will enable us deliver more unique and innovative programmes of care for children in the North West.”
Alder Hey Childrens Hospital
Greg O'keeffe / Liv Echo
