Erling Haaland has fired a brutal message to Wayne Rooney after the England legend's bet to row down the River Mersey backfired when Norway reached the World Cup quarter-finals.
Rooney's Bet Backfires
Wayne Rooney famously promised to row down the River Mersey if Norway got past Brazil in the round of 16. He said: "If Norway get to the quarter-finals, I'll go in the River Mersey and row down it." Norway did exactly that, with two goals from Haaland securing a historic win, sending them to the quarter-finals for the first time in the nation's history.
Haaland's Response
Norway's star striker has now made sure to remind Rooney of his promise. Speaking ahead of Saturday's quarter-final against England, Haaland said: "I'm looking forward to seeing Wayne, Wayney boy. I'm looking forward to seeing Wayne Rooney rowing down in Liverpool. That's all I want to see now. Wayne Rooney, I expect you to go out on a rowing trip."
Rooney's Reaction
Rooney discussed his bet a few days after Norway's shock win, claiming he was trying to get colleagues to join in. After being reminded by host Kelly Cates, he said: "Was that me?" He added: "I'm a man of my word. Micah [Richards] has agreed to do it with me. We're a team. The only thing I'll say is, because we've got a lot on, it might have to be the Hudson River when we're in New York. If the BBC can sort that." Fellow pundit Joe Hart then chimed in: "I'll do the Hudson with you."
BBC Mock-Up and Metro Mayor's Offer
BBC Sport mocked up a graphic of Rooney in an England shirt rowing down the Mersey with the Liverpool skyline behind him, captioned: "Over to you." Meanwhile, Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram suggested an alternative: "How about this instead, we can sort out a rowing boat OR in a couple of months' time, we'll launch our brand new £26m Mersey Ferry. Fancy swapping oars for the captain's chair?"
Background on the Bet
Rooney's bet was inspired by Norway's viral post-match rowing celebration at the World Cup, where one player plays a drum while fans and players pretend to row. England fans will hope the celebration isn't performed after Saturday's game in Miami. The winner will face either Switzerland or Argentina in the semi-final in Atlanta.
