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Man United icon Wayne Rooney sends Jamie Vardy message ahead of first clash since Wagatha Christie trial

Former Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney and Leicester striker Jamie Vardy played together for England, but have shared courtrooms rather than football pitches in recent years

Wayne Rooney's Birmingham City face Jamie Vardy's Leicester this weekend
Wayne Rooney's Birmingham City face Jamie Vardy's Leicester this weekend(Image: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

Birmingham City boss Wayne Rooney has sent a message telling his players to focus on the game and not get distracted by any upcoming sideshow involving him and Leicester striker Jamie Vardy.

The two former England teammates have been more familiar with courtrooms than football fields recently as a result of a public legal fight between their wives in 2022, which was labelled 'Wagatha Christie'. Even though Jamie Vardy isn't expected to play due to injury, Birmingham's boss is expecting plenty of media interest.


"The game is Birmingham City against Leicester," Rooney said in his pre-match press conference on Friday, BirminghamLive reports. Speaking about his personal relationship with Vardy, former United striker Rooney added: "I played with him for England. I played with many players for England. It's not someone who I have ever had a relationship with outside of being in a training camp or games.


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"I respect Jamie Vardy a lot, he's a fantastic player and still has a lot to offer Leicester."

Rooney also stressed the importance of focusing on the game itself: "What's important is we don't get dragged into a sideshow. Everything that's happened in the past, which everyone is aware of, has been dealt with from a legal point of view. My job is to now focus on Birmingham trying to win the game."

He acknowledged the increased attention the game will receive, as noted by Sky Sports' coverage of the game: "It's great that there's a global interest in Birmingham City playing Leicester. It's a great platform for our players to go and show what good players they are."

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* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story.

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