Everton defender Tony Hibbert believes Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney could return to Goodison Park to finish his career.
Rooney left Everton in 2004, moving to United in a £26million deal, but Hibbert, who on Wednesday hosts a testimonial against AEK Athens, is hoping the England forward will play for the Toffees again once his time at Old Trafford comes to an end.
Asked if it was possible Rooney could return to his boyhood club, Hibbert told the Daily Mail: "I think it is. If Wayne says it, then I think the club would be stupid not to welcome him back. I think there would be a few moans but for us to get a player like Wayne Rooney would be massive."
Rooney was set to take part in Hibbert's testimonial but has been forced to miss out as United prepare to take on Barcelona in a pre-season friendly in Sweden.
Hibbert says Rooney's initial offer to play demonstrates the passion he still has for his former club.
"It would have been good for Wayne (to play) and it was great that he asked me," he said.
"It has just worked out that Manchester United have a game. He was quite upset when he realised [he couldn't play]. I still speak to him and it's just great to see what he is doing.
"He hasn't changed one bit. It says everything about Wayne that he was willing to do that. He probably would have got a bad reception but he is not fazed about that. He loves Everton. Deep down he is still an Evertonian. I know for a fact that he still goes to games.
"He will do anything for Everton. It was a great honour for me that he wanted to play in the game. I was surprised when he asked whether he could play and if I would like him to. I jumped at the chance but obviously he has other commitments."