Ex-Premier League star worth £10bn meets with King Charles after career switch

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Former Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini has met King Charles III following a major career change after retiring from football. The Frenchman made 246 appearances for the Gunners, before leaving on a free transfer in 2017.

He is now the CEO of biochemical company, GF Biochemicals and has a net worth of around £10bn. He has now taken to social media to share a photo of him meeting the king.

“Last week, I had the honor of joining the Circular Bioeconomy Alliance, where global leaders and Indigenous voices are shaping the future of the bioeconomy," he wrote on Instagram . Proud that GFBiochemicals stood alongside visionaries building a sustainable world under the guidance of His Majesty King Charles “

The now 41-year-old actually had two spells at Arsenal . The first came between 2004 and 2008. He then made a return to the Emirates Stadium in 2013.

During his time with the club, he won five trophies including three FA Cups and two Community Shields. Arsenal weren't the only Premier League team he played for with the midfielder spending a short stint with Crystal Palace following his second exit from Arsenal.

He made just 13 appearances for the Eagles before moving to Spanish side Getafe on a free transfer in the summer of 2018. He retired a year later.

Flamini actually founded his company nine years before his retirement, but took a more hands-on role following his exit from the footballing world. Becoming CEO saw him take a 60 per cent stake and earn a reported £10 billion.

GF Biochemicals aims to provide a more environmentally friendly alternative to petrochemicals, which would allow the manufacture of products without harming the environment. It's not the only business he runs, with the former midfielder also teaming up with former Arsenal teammate Mesut Ozil for healthy business Unity Performance Lab.

Famini has previously explained his career change following retirement. “As a child I had two passions: football and sustainability," he said.

“I grew up in Marseille 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.”

He 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.”