Former Arsenal player now eying at Arsenal takeover after setting up £10bn business
Mathieu Flamini, a former midfielder for Arsenal, has hinted that he may attempt to purchase the club in the future, given the success of his company, GF Biochemicals.
In 2008, the Frenchman and his business partner Pasquale Granata co-founded the company. Flamini has amassed a vast fortune since his retirement in 2019 as a result of his company being the first in the world to mass-produce levulinic acid.
Its fuel is derived from plant waste and can be used to produce plastic in an environmentally responsible manner. “We founded GF Biochemicals with the ambition of finding sustainable alternatives to oil-based products,” Flamini previously said.
The former Gunners star’s wealth has increased since he was appointed chief executive officer of the company. Forbes estimated in 2020 that his and Granata’s stakes in the company were worth £10 billion each, a staggering 30 times greater than Cristiano Ronaldo’s net worth.
Over the course of his career, the 39-year-old Flamini made over 420 appearances, with more than half of them coming for Arsenal. Former midfielder who won three FA Cups in 2005, 2014, and 2015 and finished second in the Champions League in 2006.
After playing for AC Milan and Crystal Palace, the native of Marseille concluded his career with Getafe. However, Flamini has hinted at the possibility of a board-level return to the Emirates Stadium.
“Football is the No.1 sport, it is driving so much attention, the hot issues of this world should also be on the agenda of the governing bodies,” he told The Athletic.
“It’s a world that I belong to. If there is the right opportunity at the right time and the right discussion, if I meet people who are the same vision and mindset and desire to use football for a purpose, I would love to,” Flamini continued.
“Obviously those clubs [OM, Arsenal and AC Milan] have a special place in my heart. I never forget where I come from. In life, you never know but it’s all about the right opportunity. I’m a real believer in the right time, right place, right people.
“We’ll see what the future is made of. I’m a believer. If you want something very much, the universe usually brings it to you. Let’s see what the universe will bring.”
Former Arsenal player now eying at Arsenal takeover after setting up £10bn business
