David Beckham accepted substantial undisclosed libel damages on Tuesday over a Daily Star claim that he "made a play" for model Mariann Fogarasy. His solicitor, Gerrard Tyrrell, told Mr Justice Eady that the serious and defamatory allegations were completely untrue.

The front page story claimed that Beckham had "made a play" for Ms Fogarasy after a recent AC Milan match in Hungary and that he had been emailing her with "private party" invitations since they "got close" after the match.

Mr Tyrrell said the newspaper now accepted that Beckham did not behave in the manner described and unequivocally retracted the allegations.

Kate Wilson, counsel for Express Group Newspapers, which has agreed to pay Beckham substantial damages and his legal costs, apologised to him and his family for the distress, embarrassment and injury caused.