Bellion, a former France under-21 international, joined United in 2003 after a standout season with Sunderland. He netted eight times for United in 40 appearances, many as a substitute, including one in a victory over Fenerbahce that is more remembered for Wayne Rooney’s debut hat-trick.
After three years at Old Trafford, he returned to France and has since pursued his passion for art and fashion. While he may not have reached the heights of Henry, Bellion can boast a Ligue 1 title with Bordeaux from his varied career.
“I work for Ymer and Malta, a little gallery in Paris, and I collect works of art,” said the 41-year-old ex-forward. “I have two paintings of theirs.
The woman who set it up offered me the chance to represent them, and I said yes straight away. Living in Paris enables me to do this.”
He’s also ditched his car for more eco-friendly wheels, saying: “I take my scooter to return from training along the banks of the Seine, or I take my skateboard. I don’t drive a car any more.
I hate the star system in football. “I had two dreams in my career – to play alongside Ryan Giggs, which I did at United, and to end up with New York Cosmos.
It’s a city I love for its music, fashion and art. My agent got me a trial over there, but it did not work out.”
The Frenchman didn’t stop at art; he also dived into the world of magazines, taking joy in his role as Red Star’s creative director. “I am a great romantic and I embrace it perfectly in my way of seeing things, of speaking to people.
I have a bit of a childish side. “I’m creative director at the club,” he said.
“It’s what I’d call an ‘underground club’ – a little bit like an English non-league side where you can mix with the players and officials in the bar after the game. It’s really beautiful.”
Additionally, Bellion has found interests outside of football, such as watching the biggest events in boxing, UFC, WWE, and getting exclusive action from MLB for £29.99 per month on top of an £8.99 per month Amazon Prime subscription.
