Hello guys, James McNicholas here of The Athletic and you are listening to a special edition of Hand Break Off, the Arsenal podcast for The Athletic.

And in this episode, I had the opportunity to talk to former Arsenal midfielder Machia Flamini.

Now, we had a really wide-ranging conversation about Matcher's interests outside of football

primarily, the personal journey that he's been on, his passion for environmental and health

issues, and how those intersect with his business and philanthropic interests. We talk also

about the new projects he's embarking on with Meza Erzal and how he, Mathieu, might continue

to remain involved in football moving forward.

We also speak about the role of athletes in social issues and the way in which that is changing.

It's a really interesting conversation and I'm glad we're able to share some of that with you in podcast form.

There is also a written version of this interview.

So if you're an athletic subscriber, do log onto the website or the app and check that out.

But don't worry, handbreak off will be back with its normal fare with Ian Stone and Amy Lawrence

and myself, hopefully Lee Dixon as well, later this week. But until then, enjoy the conversation

with me and Mathieu, and I'll speak to you soon. Bye-bye.

Well, I'm delighted to say I'm joined now by Mathieu Flamini, a footballer who I've admired for many years, followed his career.

We're used to seeing him making headlines on the pitch.

Now, he's making waves off the pitch as well.

So, first of all, Mathieu, how are you today?

I'm great. I'm great. Thank you. Thank you for having me today.

I mean, the pleasure being able to speak with you and all good.

I think we're all facing like a very challenging time and trying to stay positive and to look forward.

That's right. And I mean, this has been such a strange year in so many ways and one of the things that

...