Wayne Rooney claims he told his wife's barrister the questions to ask in her Wagatha Christie trial

Wayne Rooney has claimed he played a major role in his wife’s infamous ‘Wagatha Christie’ trial against Rebekah Vardy.

Rooney’s partner, Coleen, accused Vardy of leaking stories about her to the media in 2019 after setting up an elaborate Instagram ‘sting’ to try and catch her out.

The dispute was quickly dubbed ‘Wagatha Christie’ as Coleen and Vardy, the wife of Rooney’s former England team-mate Jamie, went to court to settle matters in 2022.

Rebekah lost the libel case and was left with a £3m legal bill, with Rooney attending court throughout the two-week trial to support his wife.

The ex-Manchester United star has now claimed he took a very hands-on approach during the trial after becoming fascinated by the law, and even told Coleen’s barrister the questions that should be asked.

Wayne Rooney (right) attended his wife Coleen’s (left) Wagatha Christie trial in 2022

Rebekah Vardy (pictured) lost her libel case against Coleen following a two-week trial

Rooney has claimed he was heavily involved in the case, and told his wife’s barrister the questions to ask

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Reflecting on the case and how involved he was, Rooney told the Stick to Football podcast: ‘Sometimes you’ve got to have a bit of fun with the media! To be fair, it’s something that I’ve always watched and looked at as well.

‘When Coleen had the court case with Rebekah Vardy, I was there with the barrister and the lawyers, and I was saying to the barrister, “you need to ask this question”.’

Whether Rooney’s influence had any impact on the final verdict is unclear, but Rooney has revealed his interest in the law did not go away after the trial.

He proceeded to open up on applying for a law course at university following the case.

However, he admitted that he eventually performed a U-turn and opted not to pursue a career in law.

‘I did apply – it was to Nottingham University – I applied to go in and try and study, but then I did go away,’ he added.

Rooney said he wanted to study law at university, but he has since continued in management, with his latest job being at Championship club Birmingham City

‘I want to do it to get one of those wigs on!’

Since the trial, Rooney has managed MLS side DC United and had an ill-fated stint at Championship club Birmingham City.

The 38-year-old was sacked by the Blues in January after less than three months in charge, and is currently taking a break from the game to be with his family.

He is keen to get back on the touchline soon, though, and has been linked with a possible move to Saudi Arabia to follow in the footsteps of his ex-international team-mate Steven Gerrard. 

Wayne Rooney was speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, brought to you by Sky Bet

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