Villarreal CF Acquires Thomas Partey
Villarreal CF has officially announced the acquisition of former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey, only days after he was released on conditional bail linked to serious criminal charges in London. This move comes as Partey, who has been without a club since his departure from Arsenal on June 30, seeks to continue his professional career amid legal challenges.
Legal Challenges Faced by Partey
The Ghanaian player, aged 32, faces multiple allegations including five counts of rape involving two women and one count of sexual assault related to a third individual. These incidents reportedly occurred while he was still a member of Arsenal between 2021 and 2022. As part of the bail terms, Partey is prohibited from contacting the alleged victims and is required to inform the authorities of any significant changes to his residency or travel plans.
Villarreal’s Statement
In a statement addressing the situation, Villarreal acknowledged the ongoing legal proceedings in England, underlining their commitment to the principle of presumption of innocence. “The player firmly asserts his innocence regarding these allegations,” the club said, adding that they respect the legal process which will determine the facts of the case. However, due to the nature of the ongoing legal matters, Villarreal stated they are unable to provide further comments.
Commitment to Values
Additionally, the club emphasized its commitment to respect, diversity, and a zero-tolerance stance on violence in any form, including gender-based violence, discrimination, racism, and xenophobia.
Partey’s Career at Arsenal
Partey had previously made a significant impact during his five-year tenure at Arsenal after transferring for £45 million ($40.22 million) from Atlético Madrid in 2020. He accumulated 130 appearances in the Premier League, with 35 of those in the last season where Arsenal managed to secure the second position in the league for the third consecutive time. He is scheduled to appear in court at the Old Bailey in London on September 2.
