Mallorca, Spain ... [ANN]
Carlos Roa, Argentinian soccer's top goalkeeper, announced on June 25, that he is retiring from soccer for "religious reasons." Since his appearance with the Argentinian World Cup squad last summer, Roa, 29, had repeatedly commented about his intention to quit professional soccer because it conflicted with his conviction about playing on Saturdays [story in ANN Bulletin, July 7, 1998].
Roa had attended an Adventist school in his native Santa Fe, Argentina and was nicknamed "Lechuga" (lettuce) by his team mates because of his vegetarian diet. After his school years, he, his wife and his parents became Seventh-day Adventists. Reporters noted that on Saturdays, prior to international soccer games, he withdrew to his room to study the Bible. Roa identified himself with the Adventist Church and its beliefs that emphasize the whole being, according to Dario Bruno, Roa's former church pastor, who spoke about him during the 1998
World Cup in France.
Announcing his decision during a press conference at the Luis Sitjar Stadium in Mallorca, Roa said that "what I'm going to do from now on is more important than what I've been doing." Citing religious convictions, Roa spoke that the cause of his saying good-bye to professional soccer, was his faith, and the incompatibility of his membership in the Seventh-day Adventist Church with the demands of his professional career, as reported in "Clarin," a popular Buenos Aires newspaper.
"I was really happy playing soccer, but I am seeking for better things. I'm not taking this decision with fear or doubts. For a Christian, not everything is rose-colored. One's faith must be strong," he explained.
The reporter commented that his announcement "sounded like the first in his new role as preacher for his faith, since he stressed the values and beliefs behind his convictions."
"I asked God to give me the opportunity to play in the World Cup, and He gave it to me. I asked Him to have a chance to play in Europe, and He also gave it to me. I want to fulfill my promises to Him and to retire now," he said.
"The issue of Saturday/Sabbath, the seventh-day, is the main reason why I am leaving professional soccer. For the people of God and for those who respect His Word, this is a very special day, and soccer does not allow me to do what I must do on that day," said Roa, who will be viewed by some as a example of a role model of religious convictions.
Roa was named this season's top goalkeeper in the Spanish league after given up 29 goals in 35 games and leading his Mallorca team to third place and the European Cup Winners' Cup final.
[Humberto Rasi, Ray Dabrowski and ANN staff]
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