Allan Saint-Maximin has turned down £22 million bid for game he invented from scratch
Allan Saint-Maximin has rejected a £22 million offer from a company looking to acquire Helios, a board game he spent two-and-a-half years developing from scratch.
Back in January 2022, while playing for Newcastle United, Saint-Maximin launched the Greek mythology-inspired strategy game that combines cards, dice and elements of chance.
Growing up, Saint-Maximin was interested in Greek mythology, so he decided to combine his love for board games with the project - and even took the game on the bus for away games.
"When I was young, I learned about Zeus and Athena and saw a lot of films and anime movies with them in," he told The Sun in 2022. "When you start to understand it, you really love it.”
Advert
READ MORE: Allan Saint-Maximin's goodbye message after four years at Newcastle was an emotional one
According to Helios' official rulebook, the aim of the game is to win by earning coins or stealing them from your opponent.
“There was a lot of work, a lot of nights, because you need to come up with a new idea," he said. “I tested it with friends. We started to play small tournaments at home. It took two-and-a-half years — but I am really happy that I didn’t stop.”
Allan Saint-Maximin turns down huge bid for popular game
More than four years after launching the game, Saint-Maximin has seen its popularity rise, with one unnamed company submitting a £22 million offer to acquire the game.
However, the 29-year-old winger, who now plays for MLS side Charlotte FC, has decided to turn it down.
Speaking to The Athletic about his decision to snub the offer, Saint-Maximin explained: "The journey is not about money. It’s to create something, to create jobs for people, to create opportunities.”
That said, he appears keen to bring in others to work alongside him.
As mentioned above, Saint-Maximin is currently contracted to Charlotte FC. Previously, he'd spent several months with Ligue 1 side Lens following a turbulent spell at Mexican side Club America.
Why Allan Saint-Maximin terminated contract with Club America
Back in February, the former Newcastle winger terminated his contract with Liga MX side Club America, just six months after signing for the Mexican club.
He made just 15 appearances for Andre Jardine's side before his sudden departure was confirmed.
The decision came after Saint-Maximin claimed that his children had been the victims of racist abuse. "The problem is not the colour of your skin, it's the colour of your thoughts," he wrote in a statement on Instagram.
"I'm being attacked, not a problem I grew up, learned to fight against attacks, whether they are concealed or frontal. But there's one thing I will never tolerate is my kids being picked up.
"Protecting my children is my priority and I will fight to make sure they are respected and loved, regardless of their background or colour of their skin.
"Hate and discrimination has no place in our society.
"I want people to understand that every human being is unique and precious and we should trerat each other with respect and dignity.
"I want my children to grow up in a world where they can be themselves and not have to deal with absurd, meaningless behaviours that are only meant to destroy and divide.
"So, to those who dared to attack my children, I tell you: you made a mistake. I will always fight to protect my family, and there is no person or threat that will frighten me."
He added: "The only person on this earth who frightens me is God. You have La Boca now, come and meet me."
Topics: Allan Saint-Maximin, France, MLS, Newcastle United
Jack Kenmare
