'Not something I ever wanted in my life' - Coleen Rooney speaks out after £1.4m legal fees ruling in 'Wagatha Christie' battle with Rebekah Vardy

Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney's wife, Coleen, claimed in a 2019 social media post that the Instagram account of Rebekah, the wife of Jamie Vardy, was the source of information that was leaked about her to The Sun tabloid, which sparked the court battle between Rooney and Vardy. Vardy later filed a libel suit against Rooney, alleging that the charge "caused very serious harm to her reputation."

In July 2022, following a seven-day trial, Mrs. Justice Steyn of the British High Court ruled the case in favour of Rooney, concluding that it was "likely" that Vardy's agent, Caroline Watt, had given information to The Sun and that Mrs. Vardy "knew of and condoned this behaviour" and had "actively" participated.

After that, the two fought over legal fees for nearly three years, which may have come to an end on Tuesday when a specialist costs court was informed that Vardy had agreed to pay £1.19 million of Rooney's legal fees, with a judge also ordering her to pay an additional £212,000. According to court orders from 2024, Rooney must also pay Vardy a total of £135,097.50 in costs, which will be deducted from the amount that the Leicester City star's wife is required to pay. Rooney has now opened up on Instagram regarding the court battle that she never 'wanted' in her life.

On Instagram, Coleen wrote: "The ruling yesterday in my favour finally brings this claim to an end, it’s a relief and brings closure for my family and I.

"Throughout this long process, I am grateful that the judgments have consistently gone my way. However, as I have always maintained, this claim did not need to be made or run for as long as it did. The time and money should have been put to better use.

"I want to thank my legal representative, management, friends and family for their guidance and constant support. Thanks also to the public and many well-wishers who have been in touch with such kind messages.

"This episode is not something that I ever wanted in my life. However, I am thankful for the way my family and team have dealt with it. We look forward to moving on with our lives."

Coleen is clearly relieved to put the saga behind her and has been tipped to pursue a career in TV after a successful stint in 'I'm a Celeb.' The Rooneys are also expected to feature in a Disney documentary that will lift the lid on the family's life.