Rooney ready to fulfil Everton Europe dream

WAYNE Rooney says he can’t wait to fulfil his childhood dream of playing for Everton in Europe in today’s Europa League tie against MFK Ruzomberok. Rooney won the Champions League and Europa League during his trophy-filled spell with Manchester United, but the visit of Slovakian side Ruzomberok to Goodison Park will still rank as one of the more memorable moments of the 31-year-old’s career. Rooney, who left Everton to join United in 2004, is a lifelong fan of the Merseyside club and his move back to Goodison Park will allow him to live out his ambition of wearing the Toffees’ blue shirt in continental competition. It may only be a Europa League thirdround qualifier, but Rooney is relishing his first competitive home match as an Everton player for 13 years. “Something I always wanted to do was play in Europe with Everton,” Rooney said. “I was a bit disappointed not to do that before but now I’ll have a chance ... I’m hoping we can go far and, you never know, try to win it. It would be even better [than last year].”