'I was a Premier League runner-up with Arsenal – this is how I've earned £10billion net worth'

Former Arsenal star-turned-billionaire entrepreneur Mathieu Flamini has opened up on his remarkable career transformation . The Frenchman, who featured 246 times for the Gunners across two separate spells, retired from football in 2019 following brief stints at Crystal Palace and Getafe. Since then, the 42-year-old has captured attention for his remarkable success away from the pitch, which has elevated him to billionaire status . Shortly after leaving the north London club for AC Milan, Flamini and Pasquale Granata established GF Biochemicals with the goal of ending chemical pollution. The company produces a chemical identified then as one of the 12 molecules that could unlock a 'greener' future for the world . It sought to replace petrochemical ingredients with bio-based components in cosmetics, everyday cleaning products, paints and solvents. FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news and more on our dedicated Facebook page With ownership of more than half of the business, Forbes values Flamini's wealth at around £10billion. The three-time FA Cup winner narrowly missed out on two Premier League titles, finishing as a runner-up in his first (2004/05) and last (2015/16) seasons with the Gunners. He has now revealed how he managed the radical shift from a 16-year playing career in professional football to his current venture in chemistry. In an interview with Harvard Business Review , Flamini said: " Football was a childhood dream but the environment has always played an important role in my life. Having grown up in the South of France, I’ve always felt close to nature and the sea. When I was a child, I remember watching documentaries with my family and picking up plastic waste on the beaches… "I developed an environmental awareness at a very early age. Even during my football career, I wondered how we could find solutions to global warming, and considered the impact humans can have on the environment, but also on their own health." Shedding light on a transition that left many surprised but seemed natural to him, Flamini went on to say: "When I joined AC Milan at 24, I was one of the youngest players on the squad. Many of my team-mates were already involved in other ventures, which led me to start thinking about entrepreneurship at a very early stage. "Then there were encounters and opportunities that steered me towards the chemical sector. We developed partnerships with universities in Italy, we met scientists and engineers, and a research group was set up... "At some point, we decided to focus on a molecule identified by the US Department of Energy as one of the 12 molecules of the future. It showed great potential to replace many petroleum-derived molecules and thus accelerate the transition to a more sustainable chemical industry. However, this platform molecule, levulinic acid, had not yet been developed on an industrial scale. There was therefore a real opportunity here." The molecule is derived from biomass, specifically agricultural waste. Through a chemical process, it is transformed into a bio-based ingredient and can replace petroleum derivatives that are still used today in many everyday products, which can have a negative impact on the environment and health, including cosmetics (shampoo, shower gel, sun creams), cleaning products, paints, varnishes and home fragrances. Flamini's goal is to provide ingredients that enable the creation of safer, more environmentally friendly products that carry far less damaging consequences for our planet. The firm was considerably ahead of its time when Flamini established it, given that green chemistry wasn't seen as a priority back then. The tenacious former midfielder, who claimed Serie A glory with Milan, has lodged more than 200 patent applications over the past 10 years. He also undertook a leadership programme at Harvard Business School recently, as he continues to broaden his already impressive skillset. He said: "As I didn’t come from the chemical industry, I lacked the background to assess the technical aspects. It was therefore essential to surround myself with specialists I trusted. Over time, I educated myself and acquired the knowledge and skills that enabled me to gain legitimacy. What sets top-level athletes apart is that they love a challenge, pushing boundaries, and they know how to keep their cool. This has served me well as an entrepreneur. "Football is a team sport but performance remains individual. As a player, you are judged on your own results. As a business leader, your role changes completely: you become a coach. The team comes first, and you are judged by your team’s performance. "Admittedly, I had to adapt, but there are many parallels between top-level sport and entrepreneurship: you need to know how to handle the pressure, be resilient, determined yet patient, and not be afraid of the workload or the sacrifices… "We launched GFB over 10 years ago, but our first product has only recently been brought to market. It is therefore a long-term investment that requires patience. Team spirit is also essential for overcoming difficulties. As a leader, you need to be a good listener while remaining clear about the vision and objectives."