Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has signed for Spanish side Villarreal while on conditional bail over multiple rape charges in England.
The 32-year-old Ghana international, who denies all allegations, appeared in a London court on August 5 and was granted bail pending trial. He faces five counts of rape involving two women and one count of sexual assault against a third woman, allegedly committed between 2021 and 2022 during his time at Arsenal.
Partey was formally charged on July 4, just days after leaving the Premier League club at the end of his contract in June. He is scheduled to appear at London’s Old Bailey on September 2.
In announcing his arrival, Villarreal emphasized their commitment to the “fundamental principle of the presumption of innocence,” adding that the player “strongly proclaims his innocence and denies all the accusations made against him.” The club said it will await the judiciary’s decision before drawing further conclusions.
Partey joined Arsenal from Atlético Madrid in October 2020 for £45 million ($60 million), making 167 appearances and scoring nine goals over four seasons. He played 52 matches in his final campaign, scoring four times. At the international level, he has earned 51 caps for Ghana.
Villarreal, who finished fifth in La Liga last season to secure Champions League qualification, will be banking on Partey’s experience to strengthen their midfield ahead of the new campaign.
Written By Rodney Mbua
