Ex-Arsenal and Crystal Palace midfielder Mathieu Flamini waiting on right 'project' to make return

In no hurry: Flamini insists he is waiting to find the right club
Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
James Benge20 September 2017

Former Arsenal and Crystal Palace midfielder Mathieu Flamini is looking for the right “project” as he looks for a return to the professional game.

The 33-year-old was released by Palace during the summer after managing only 268 minutes of top flight football with the Eagles.

In an interview with The Sun Flamini revealed he had received several offers from clubs around Europe but was taking his time before committing to another team.

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

“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.”

It is perfectly possible that Flamini could cope with a life outside football, having developed a company – GF Biochemicals – that hopes to revolutionize the £200million industry around Levulinic acid.

But Flamini still hopes that his football career has not come to an end.

“If I wanted to stop, I could. But it is about the challenge,” he added. “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.

“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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