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

9 months ago 63

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.

The Frenchman now has a net worth in the billions[/caption]

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.

Flamini’s company looks to protect the environment while helping manufacture products[/caption]

Flamini had two spells with Arsenal in the Premier League[/caption]

He also played for AC Milan and Getafe[/caption]

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.”