The 32-year-old Australian today confirmed he is ending his eight-year stay at Ewood Park to return to his native country after signing a three-year deal with Sydney FC.

But he will first have a chance to say his goodbyes as Rovers entertain Everton this weekend looking to build upon their midweek Carling Cup victory over Sheffield Wednesday by belatedly opening their Barclays Premier League account for the season.

Emerton told the club's official website, www.rovers.co.uk: "Obviously it is sad to be leaving the club after eight years.

"It has been a fantastic eight years, I have enjoyed every minute of it and I'm sure it will be emotional after the game on Saturday.

"But it is more important just to concentrate on the game and whether I play a part or not, to hopefully get three points and leave on a high.

"For family reasons, we have decided that now is the right time for us to go back, and I'm really looking forward to going back and playing in the A-League and contributing something to football in Australia."

Emerton, who joined Rovers in a £2.5million switch from Feyenoord during the summer of 2003, will leave a club which has undergone significant change in recent times.

However, he believes the future is bright.

He said: "It was always my dream to play in the Premier League, so to be at a club like Blackburn Rovers was a dream of mine fulfilled.

"To spend eight years here, and all of them in the Premier League, is something special.

"It has been great to be here for so long. I think of myself as a loyal person, and I have shown my loyalty to the club and they have repaid me by granting me my wish to go back to Australia and I really thank them for that.

"I'm really looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead.

"I think there are exciting times at Ewood Park at the moment. We have got some good young talented players and from what I hear, there will be a few more entering the frame.

"People just need to be patient and give the players and the coaching staff an opportunity to show what they are capable of, and I'm sure at some stage it will just all gel together and you will see this football club on the up."

Meanwhile, Rovers boss Steve Kean has warned Carling Cup hero Ruben Rochina he will need to toughen up if he is to make it in the Premier League.

The 20-year-old Spaniard was handed a rare start in Wednesday night's 3-1 second round victory over the Owls, and rewarded his manger with a double, his first goals for the club.

Kean was delighted with the youngster's contribution, but equally pleased that he had been exposed to the more physical side of the English game too.

The manager said: "Ruben got smashed in the second half and I was quite happy about that.

"He's going to get a few of them in our league and he's got to learn when he can do his stuff in the final third and when he has to move it on.

"Overall Ruben has been exceptional and I think even when he wasn't pressing, his attitude to go and get the ball back was really, really good.

"I see Ruben every day in training and I know what kind of a talent he is."