Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini has spoken of the pride he feels after helping to create a company that has the potential to revolutionise the energy industry.
The France international set up 'GF Biochemicals' with his business partner Pasquale Granata in 2008 and, after several years of secrecy, the duo's venture has become the first company to be able to produce Levulinic acid on an industrial scale.
The acid is a replacement for oil and could potentially be used as a bio fuel to create pharmaceuticals, plastics and cosmetics.
Flamini's business may have been tipped to change the world but the 31-year-old is reluctant to predict such a drastic impact.
"I wouldn't go that far. I'm trying to give my contribution to climate change.
"I'm pleased that we have accomplished something great. It's helping to makes things better.
"This acid has the potential to replace substitute oil. So - yes - there is a good potential to ameliorate the things happening right now with the problems with climate change."
Flamini's upbringing ensured that climate change has always been a cause close to his heart and he is proud of what his company has achieved thus far.
"I've always been very close to nature. I grew up in Corsica and I was always very concerned by climate change. So I wanted to focus on that field and I created this opportunity."
"We knew it was going to be difficult because many people tried and many people failed.
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"So we started with a bit of hope and today we are very proud because we are the first ones to achieve industrial scale production of Levulinic acid.
"It's a lot of work but finally we are entering the commercialisation phase."
The Frenchman admitted that he chose to keep his role in the company quiet as he was unsure whether he would be a success but has received plenty of support from the rest of Arsene Wenger's squad since the extent of his involvement came to light.
"It's true - I kept it secret for a very long time.
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"I was not convinced that it was going to happen and I was also asking myself why would I be the first one to achieve it - why not somebody else?
"They're all very supportive. Of course they're making jokes about it but I believe they're all very happy for me."
You can see Flamini explain his business venture in full in the video below:
