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Eternal Flam

Former Arsenal ace Mathieu Flamini reveals what life is like as a free agent as he looks for a new club

Frenchman is still training as hard as ever as he prepares to decide which direction to take his footballing career

MATHIEU FLAMINI will spend an hour in a London gym this morning before heading out to the running track.

He will end the session by working with a football.

 Mathieu Flamini still wants to play football and is still looking for another club
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Mathieu Flamini still wants to play football and is still looking for another clubCredit: Jamie McPhilimey - The Sun
 Mathieu Flamini was released by Crystal Palace at the end of last season
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Mathieu Flamini was released by Crystal Palace at the end of last seasonCredit: Jamie McPhilimey - The Sun

Yet there will be no bustling dressing room, training session with flying tackles or, ultimately, a match to prepare for.

After spending his entire professional career in daily employment with Marseille, Arsenal, Milan and Crystal Palace, the 33-year-old has yet to decide which direction his footballing career will take this year.

The French midfielder is one of a number of experienced, high-profile football stars who are out of contract so, therefore, free agents.

Flamini, who last kicked a ball competitively at the end of last season, said: “Every morning, I am still waking up and I am 100 per cent committed to football. But, at the moment, I am waiting for the right opportunity.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to have received many offers from this country and Europe but I want the right project.

“The situation is straight- forward. It is not about just the club but a project, something that can stimulate me. To me, the project is more important.

 Mathieu Flamini only spent a season with Crystal Palace after leaving Arsenal
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Mathieu Flamini only spent a season with Crystal Palace after leaving ArsenalCredit: Getty Images - Getty

"I want the opportunity to challenge myself again. I have been playing for many years and still feel young.

“Normally, I would be back with my club in the first week of July. It has been nice to have a longer break but since football is still my passion, I am missing the competition. I am missing the feeling of being part of a team.

“I am a professional footballer. I need to get my energy out so, of course, I want to return to playing.

“I am keeping myself very fit. I have been training every day for the last six weeks.

“Obviously, the time without playing is starting to get a bit long but it is not uncommon for a professional footballer to be sidelined with injury and train alone.

 Mathieu Flamini spent two spells at Arsenal in the peak of his career
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Mathieu Flamini spent two spells at Arsenal in the peak of his careerCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
 Mathieu Flamini played for AC Milan in between his spells playing for Arsenal
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Mathieu Flamini played for AC Milan in between his spells playing for ArsenalCredit: PA:Empics Sport
 Mathieu Flamini knows it takes dedication to stay at the top of the game
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Mathieu Flamini knows it takes dedication to stay at the top of the gameCredit: PA:Press Association

“After playing for 15 years — and having been involved in the Champions League through my career — I know what it takes to remain at the top. You cannot last for so long at the elite level if you don’t take care of yourself.

“On the track, you need to get the right balance between endurance work and explosive fitness. I have a coach who helps me with that. We also work with the ball and in the gym.”

Former Arsenal team-mate Bacary Sagna is another player in the market for a new team.

Flamini said: “I’m sure he is also looking for the right project. We’re elite athletes and, when we stop playing, we must keep ourselves fit.

“It is in our DNA. For us, a day without sport feels incomplete. Exercise is a crucial part of our daily lives.”

 Diego Costa has been training while in Brazil after refusing to come back to Chelsea
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Diego Costa has been training while in Brazil after refusing to come back to ChelseaCredit: Instagram @diegocosta
 Mathieu Flamini insists he does not need a football club for the money
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Mathieu Flamini insists he does not need a football club for the moneyCredit: Reuters

During his time away from Chelsea, Diego Costa has been spotted playing football with mates in Brazil, but this is a gamble.

Flamini added: “I want to avoid the risk of getting injured unnecessarily. I am a competitor at all times. Even if I were to play with my friends, I would want to play at 100 per cent.

“But I miss the football. I want to be back, feeling that adrenalin rush.”

Due to the living he has made from the game — and the same applies to many of the other players looking for a club — Flamini is not in a financial position where he needs a club immediately.

 Mathieu Flamini is desperate for the challenge of playing football again
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Mathieu Flamini is desperate for the challenge of playing football againCredit: Jamie McPhilimey - The Sun

Also involved in a business that develops biochemicals, he said: “If I wanted to stop, I could. But it is about the challenge.

"I’m not like a 25-year-old. It’s not about being frustrated, it is about being excited about doing something new.

“I can be more picky on my choice. Keeping myself fit has not been a problem. The commitment is still the same. I am giving three or four hours to sport, whether I am part of a club or not.

“It is always nice to be part of a team and I miss that. But lonely? No.

“I am lucky enough to have a life ­outside football, which is important.

“My business has been good for me to help clear my head. But right now, at my age, football is still my priority.”

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