PREM GAMING BATTLE
Roa was the man who knocked England out of the 1998 World Cup with saves from Paul Ince and David Batty when a dramatic night in St Etienne was decided by a penalty shoot-out.
He was then earmarked as Peter Schmeichel’s replacement by Sir Alex Ferguson after United won the Treble the following year.
But Roa, a devout Seventh-day Adventist, retired from football because he believed in a prediction that the world was about to end.
He told his Spanish club Mallorca he was hanging up his boots to follow his faith – just as his career was about to peak, aged 30.
And although he returned to La Liga action just six months later, he was unable to recapture the form that had almost taken him to Manchester.
More than 20 years on, Roa admits he has some regrets.
He said: “At that time I was very attached to religion and bible study.
“It was a difficult decision to make but at the same time thoughtful – and my family agreed with me.
“Certain things happened that
TOP-FLIGHT stars have signed up to represent their clubs in the epremier League Invitational tournament to raise funds for the NHS.
The inaugural edition of the knock-out tournament, starting tomorrow, will see players test their FIFA 20 video game skills against each other from the will never be known because they are personal and I could only speak to the most intimate people.
“Many things were said back then out of ignorance and I was branded a thousand bad things.
“The people of the club thought that I was going to go back and that they would recover a lot of money with that transfer that was about to happen.
“Today, I still think that on a spiritual level it was a very good decision.
“But in sporting terms it wasn’t – because I left football at the best moment of my career.
“I could have progressed a lot, with great contracts and the possibility of playing in England.
“People will never understand it. Back then they drove me crazy, they called me from all sides, and as much as I tried to explain my decision it was very difficult for them to understand.”
Roa’s decision to snub United comfort of their homes. Raheem Sterling (below), Trent Alexanderarnold, Diogo Jota and Wilfried Zaha all already confirmed.
The prize fund will be donated to the £Playerstogether initiative created by league players to help the NHS. Fans can watch the action on the Premier League website and app as well as its Youtube, Facebook and Twitter channels. The semi-finals and final will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. Premier League
Chief Executive Richard Masters said: “We are aware of the importance of finding new ways to entertain fans and we’re excited to bring together a strong line-up for the tournament.
“We are providing valuable support for communities and the NHS at this time.”