6 Footballers who retired early to pursue other interests

#2 Espen Baardsen

Espen Baardsen

Espen Baardsen was an American goalkeeper who also played for Tottenham Hotspur, Everton, and other clubs. Having dual nationality, he switched sides to Norway and played 1998 World Cup with them. Soon, he got tired of the constant traveling and playing. Also, the money offered to him was also not that great.

Baardsen retired in 2000 to pursue his interest in traveling. He also studied at the Open University. Currently, he is the fund manager and partner of an asset management company in London. He is a regular guest at the business news channel CNBC.

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#1 Carlos Roa

Carlos Roa

Carlos Roa was a goalkeeper from Argentina who played for Olimpo, Albacete, and other clubs. He played a crucial role in England's exit from the 1998 World Cup when David Batty's penalty was saved by him. During his playing days, he was a practicing Seventh-day Adventist. Roa prophesied the year 2000 will be difficult and will bring hunger, plague, and war in the world.

Nothing of that sort happened. He rejoined the club 'Mallorca' on the condition he won't play on Saturdays. That didn't work out, so he left Mallorca, and after playing for a few other teams. He currently is part of the Chivas coaching team where he has helped bring four major trophies to the club.