Everton striker Wayne Rooney is excited to fulfil his lifelong dream of playing for the Toffees in Europe.

Rooney is set to make his second Everton debut when the Toffeestake on Slovakian side MFK Ružomberok in the first leg of the third qualifying round of Europa League on Thursday.

The 31-year-old never got the opportunity to play in Europe during his first stint with his boyhood club.

"Something I always wanted to do was play in Europe with Everton," admitted Rooney. "I was a bit disappointed not to do that before but now I'll have a chance. Obviously, I won the trophy last year so I'm hoping as a club we can go far and, you never know, try to win it. It would be even better.

"The first game back will be an emotional day for me and I'm looking forward to it. Overall, I'm looking forward to the season, hopefully getting back playing regularly and trying to help this club move forward."

"You always get that feeling when you're walking out the tunnel so to actually do it again in an Everton shirt will be a special moment for me," added Rooney.