‘I think I’ve pulled my thigh’ – Wayne Rooney injures himself doing Viking row as forfeit for wrong World Cup prediction

WAYNE ROONEY’S debt to Norway’s Erling Haaland has been repaid after he bet against the Scandinavians making the quarter finals. With an England flag at the helm and Micah Richards with a drum, Rooney took to the Hudson River after his World Cup punt went wrong. Wayne Rooney has fulfilled his World Cup forfeit by rowing down the Hudson River Credit: BBC Rooney claimed that he injured himself mid-row Credit: BBC Micah Richards and Joe Hart joined the Man Utd icon in his challenge Credit: BBC Everyone made it back on to dry land ahead of World Cup final Credit: BBC On BBC Sport, Rooney previously promised: “If Norway get to the quarter finals, I’ll go on the River Mersey and I’ll row down it.” Norway exceeded all expectations in North America – beating Iraq, Senegal, and Ivory Coast. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! Then they shocked the world, overcoming five-time world champions Brazil in a box office 2-1 last 16 victory. Talisman Erling Haaland bagged a brace to stun the South Americans and called Rooney out. The Man City ace said: “Wayney boy, Wayne Rooney… “I expect you to go out on a rowing trip.” The challenge comes from the viral Norway celebration where players and fans perform a synchronised row to the beat of a drum while shouting “Ro. Ro. Ro”. Post-match on live TV, Rooney admitted: “Yeah, I’m a man of my word. It might have to be the Hudson River when we’re in New York.” Most read in Sport WORLD CUP 2026 FREE BETS AND SIGN UP OFFERS Joe Hart was quick to chime in, adding that he would row with him. Taking to the famous river on Friday, Rooney spoke down the camera: “Haaland, as promised we are doing our row in the Hudson River.” To chants of “Rooney, Rooney, Rooney”, the Manchester United star shyly admitted: “I think I’ve pulled my thigh!” Richards joined the crew with his makeshift drum as he ordered Rooney to listen to instructions. And tooled with a megaphone, the Rest is Football star hollered: “New York baby.” But Rooney snapped as he jokingly shouted at him to shut up. At the end of the rowing session, everyone made it back on to land safely. Hart challenged the Norway team to a race… but he quickly backtracked. Comment now