England," he said. "I am not aware that I have been
ridiculed, but that might be because I turn a blind eye now.
We all have something to deal with and there are worse
things in life."
‘He is comfortable with it now, but it was not always the
case, which is why he has devoted many hours to helping
others who have to live with the neurological disorder.
While with the New York MetroStars, whom he left for £2.3
million in July, he used to invite local children with
Tourettes to a game and then to meet him afterwards. "It's a
speed bump, not a stop sign," he would tell them. "I like to
think that every day I am taking steps towards creating
awareness just by being professional," he said. "I don't
have to do speeches or public service announcements all the
time."
‘He is no evangelical, either, when it comes to religion,
but he practises his faith daily. As we speak, the United
chaplain comes over to arrange a meeting. Howard says grace
before team meals and his tattoos include a giant cross next
to the Olympic rings (he played for the United States at the
Sydney Games). "Lord please watch over me" is written
indelibly on his thick arms. "Religion plays a huge role in
my life," he said. "It is of the utmost importance, the
first priority in my life, as it should be, but I don't
shove it down people's throats. Some people want to spread
the word and spread the joy. I don't hide it, but I do it
for myself."
‘Unlike Barthez, who would fly to Paris for a night out,
Howard is unlikely to assist the gossip columnists. Nor will
he be on the front pages for rowing with Ferguson, as
Schmeichel once did with such ferocity that he expected to
be sacked.