I’m ex-Arsenal star who won four trophies under Wenger, now I’m richer than Stan Kroenke thanks to biochemicals

MATHIEU FLAMINI used to be one of Arsenal’s top midfielders with a host of trophies to his name.

But now he’s richer than Gunners owner Stan Kroenke after striking it big in the world of biochemicals.

Flamini, 40, had two spells at Arsenal, with the first coming between 2004 and 2008.

After five years at AC Milan, he rejoined the club in 2013 and spent a further three years at the Emirates before seeing out his career with Crystal Palace and Getafe.

Flamini played a total of 246 games for Arsenal, scoring 13 goals in the process.

He also won three FA Cups and a Community Shield under Arsene Wenger, while scooping their Player of the Season award in 2008.

But after retiring from football in 2019, Flamini’s life took a very different turn.

Having founded start-up GF Biochemicals in 2010, the Frenchman began to take a hands-on role in its development.

The company’s aim was to provide a green alternative to petrochemicals.

And after becoming CEO with a 60 per cent stake in GF Biochemicals, Flamini is now worth a reported £10billion — around £2bn more than Arsenal owner Kroenke.

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His team became the first to produce levulinic acid, which reduces CO2 produced from manufacturing products like detergents and skin care by 80 per cent.

And Flamini now also runs a separate health business called Unity Performance Lab with ex-Arsenal teammate Mesut Ozil.

He said: “As a child I had two passions: football and sustainability. “I grew up in Marseilles near the sea, and was aware of the environmental questions around ocean plastics and chemical pollution from a very young age.

“We didn’t know if it’d be energy, chemical or urban recycling, and we just ended up meeting with a team of scientists in Milan and started moving in that direction.”

On juggling his football commitments with the business, Flamini continued: “When you’re a footballer and you’re in a meeting talking about chemicals or sustainability, there is even more pressure on you.

“People really want to test you and see if you’re going to be able to deliver — because you’re not a businessman. I had to prove myself more than anyone else in the room.”

On his new busy schedule, Flamini added: “Now the question is when do I not work.

“When you’re an entrepreneur you have to be dedicated and you don’t count the hours. I’m not working when I sleep, but for the rest of the time I’m available.”

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk