Accra:Carlos Roa became an Argentine hero in 1998 after playing a pivotal role in helping his country eliminate England from the World Cup. Known for his outstanding performance, including saving David Batty's penalty during Argentina's last-16 shootout victory, Roa established himself as one of football's top goalkeepers.
According to Ghana Web, Roa's impressive performances for Real Mallorca caught the attention of Sir Alex Ferguson, who was seeking a successor to Peter Schmeichel for Manchester United following their 1999 treble-winning season. However, Roa's potential move was halted when he, a dedicated Seventh-day Adventist, chose to retire at 29 due to his belief that the world would end around the year 2000.
Roa's religious commitments, including Bible study and observing the Sabbath on Saturdays, took precedence over his football career. Reflecting on his decision, Roa described to the Daily Mirror how challenging it was, yet emphasized that it was thoughtful and supported by his family.
Despite returning to football less than a year later, Roa struggled to regain the form that had once made him a sought-after goalkeeper. He later recognized the professional opportunities he had forgone, acknowledging that he could have advanced significantly in his career with lucrative contracts and a chance to play in England.
While Roa felt spiritually fulfilled by his decision, he admitted it cost him at a crucial point in his career. Meanwhile, Manchester United continued their search for Schmeichel's replacement, eventually signing Edwin van der Sar in 2005.