Wayne Rooney has thanked Everton for progressing him as a player, in an interview where he spoke affectionately about his boyhood club.
The striker, who had become a hate figure at Goodison since joining Manchester United in 2004, said despite having had run ins with Everton fans in the past, he still holds the club dear.
In an interview on TalkSport, the 25-year-old said Everton will always be in his heart.
He said: "It was a difficult decision to make, leaving Everton. I think Man United were the only team I would have left Everton for.
"Being so young it was a really difficult decision to make and I thought if I don’t do it now I might never get that chance again.
"But Everton have moved on and I’ve moved on. I look for Everton's results after every game and of course I want them to do well.
"My son’s got all the Everton kits, you don’t just not like a team because you’ve fallen out or left the club. Everton will always be in my heart.
"They bought me into football and progressed me as player as well and I thank them for that."
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Terry, Liverpool around 11 months, 3 weeks ago