Friday, August 8, 2025 - Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has joined La Liga club Villarreal following his release from Arsenal.
The 32-year-old, who signed for Arsenal in a £45m deal from
Atletico Madrid in 2020, left the Gunners when his contract expired at the end
of June.
Four days later, Partey was charged with five counts of rape
against two women and a charge of s£xual assult against a third woman.
Partey, who denies the charges, was granted conditional
bail on Tuesday at Westminster Magistrates' Court.
Under the conditions of the bail, Partey must not contact
any of the three women and must notify police of any permanent changes of
address or international travel.
In a statement, Villarreal said: "The club is aware
that the player is currently involved in legal proceedings in England.
"The player firmly maintains his innocence and denies
all charges against him.
"The club respects the fundamental principle of the
presumption of innocence and will await the outcome of the judicial process,
which will be responsible for clarifying the facts of the case.
"Due to the law in England in relation to the ongoing
proceedings the club is unable to comment further."
The charges against Partey followed an investigation by
detectives which started in February 2022.
Nearly 1,000 supporters have signed a petition set up by
online content hub the Villarreal Report to protest Partey's signing.
Villarreal's statement added that it "wishes to clearly
reiterate its strong commitment to respect and diversity and firmly condemns
any act of violence in all its forms, including gender-based violence,
discrimination, racism, xenophobia, or any behaviour that undermines the
dignity of individuals".
Partey, who will join up with his new club on Friday, is due
to appear at the Old Bailey on 2 September.
His move follows Villarreal's 3-2 friendly win against
Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday.
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