Everton chairman Bill Kenwright believes it is possible that Wayne Rooney may one day want to return to Goodison Park to finish his career with the Toffees.
Rooney, 29, came through the youth ranks at Everton, but left the blue half of Merseyside in 2004 to join Manchester United for £27million.
At the time Rooney left Merseyside in acrimonious circumstances, with Everton fans angered by his decision to request a move, but in the decade since tensions have softened somewhat and Kenwright believes he could go back.
When asked if he could see it happening one day, Kenwright told the BBC: "Yes. He comes back to Goodison. He's an Evertonian and his family are. He is welcome to come back."
It was Kenwright who reluctantly agreed to sell Rooney to United 10 years ago when the Croxteth-born striker was 18 years old.
Rooney left Goodison just two months after exploding onto the international stage at Euro 2004. He has since gone on to become England captain and is currently joint third on his country's all-time goalscoring list with 44 strikes in 100 appearances.
During his time at the Red Devils so far, Rooney has also racked up five Premier League titles, a Champions League triumph, two League Cups and a FIFA Club World Cup victory.
Although Kenwright says he would be open to Rooney returning, he insisted the final decision would always be up to manager Roberto Martinez - who he hopes will be holding the reins at Goodison for the foreseeable future.
"In all honesty, all I ever do is advise. I am not sidestepping the question. It is always going to be Roberto Martinez's choice," he added.
The former Wigan boss has been a big hit with Evertonians since taking over from David Moyes last summer.
He led the club to a fifth-place finish and a return to the Europa League last season as he added his signature Spanish flair to the strong foundations built by Moyes during his 11-year reign.
Kenwright added: "Roberto is an extraordinary man. I would be thrilled if he wanted to commit for the length of time David did."
Source: PA
