The Argentinian keeper, who saved famously from Paul Ince and David Batty during the gripping penalty shoot-out with England, reputedly turned down a lucrative offer from Manchester United in order to retire and live a life devoted to God.
There were also reports that Roa believed the world would end at the turn of the Millennium and that he felt there was little point continuing to play football because everybody`s fate would be sealed come the year 2000.
However, with the world still operating normally in the 21st Century, Roa has reconsidered his future and is willing to make an emotional comeback.
Currently in Santa Fe, the 30-year-old is to undertake extensive training for the next month or so in a bid to regain his full fitness. After being out of the game since the middle of last year, the member of the Adventist Church of the Seventh Day, needs to rediscover his sharpness.
The only question is where Roa will return - with Real Mallorca still holding his contract, until 2002. The Spanish club are keen to welcome him back, with manager Mateo Alemany holding the keeper`s signature on a document, giving Mallorca first option on his services.
Deportivo La Coruna are also interested in signing the Argentinian and something of a transfer war may erupt if they push through their attempts to bring him to the north of Spain.
Mallorca president Guillermo Reynes has confirmed: "We have the federal rights to Roa and, if another team wants to contract him, he already knows where he must go. We always said that his religious faith was not incompatible with his sporting activities. We have an open door here."
