Former Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini has denied reports that he is a multi-billionaire, clarifying that his company GF Biochemicals is not worth the €30 billion figure that has been circulating.
The 34-year-old, who now plays for Spanish side Getafe, co-founded the company in 2008 with business partner Pasquale Granata. GF Biochemicals is the only firm producing levulinic acid directly from biomass such as grass or woodchips, offering a substitute for oil.
Speaking to L'Equipe, Flamini said: 'It is important to rectify things, contrary to what I read, I do not have €30 billion in my bank account. This sum does not correspond to the valuation of my company GF Biochemicals, in fact, it is the total value of the market that we want to attack.'
Flamini, who also played for Crystal Palace last season, added that his motivation for the business is not financial gain. 'I did not get involved in this business to make money, my main motivation has always been to have a positive impact on the environment,' he said.
