Villarreal announce Thomas Partey with immediate statement on rape charges

FORMER Arsenal star Thomas Partey has completed a move to Villarreal.

The midfielder was a free agent after seeing his contract at the Gunners expire earlier this summer.

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Partey, 32, has put pen to paper on an initial one-year deal with the option of a 12-month extension at the Spanish club.

His transfer comes just a matter of days after he was charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.

And the Spanish side acknowledged that proceedings against Partey are ongoing in its statement announcing the signing of the player.

The Villarreal statement read: “Villarreal CF and Thomas Partey have reached an agreement for the Ghanaian to join the Yellow ahead of the 2025/26 season.

“The player will join up with his new team tomorrow at the training ground.

“Thomas Teye Partey (Krobo Odumase, 13/06/93) is a complete midfielder with great stamina and exceptional physical attributes.

“He is an excellent ball winner and has the ability to start moves from deep.

“The African footballer also boasts a good shot from mid-range and has the ability to break lines while driving forward.

“The experienced Ghanaian midfielder has earned more than 50 caps for his national team.

“He has also represented Arsenal FC, Atletico de Madrid, UD Almeria and RCD Mallorca.

“With the English side, he won the FA Community Shield (2023/24), while with the Madrid outfit he lifted the LaLiga title (2020/21), the Uefa Super Cup (2018/19) and the Uefa Europa League (2017/18).

“On the other hand, the club is also aware that the player is currently involved in legal proceeding 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 ongoing proceedings the club is unable to comment further.”

The statement added: “Villarreal CF wishes to clearly reiterate its strong commitment to respect and diversity and strongly 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 was seen at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday and was granted conditional bail.

He spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address.

Partey’s bail conditions include not contacting the three complainants and he must notify police of any change in address three days in advance.

The star, who made 167 appearances for Arsenal, must also tell cops where he is staying if it is longer than 14 days and they must be aware of any international travel.

His next appearance at the Old Bailey is set for September 2.

The alleged offences against three women took place between 2021 and 2022.

Partey is accused of raping one female three times at his £6million Hertfordshire home and of attacking another at a five-star hotel in Spain.

The court was told Partey sexually assaulted a third woman by lying on top of her, trying to kiss and grope her without consent.

An investigation into the claims began in February 2022 and he continued to play for Arsenal.

Manager Mikel Arteta says he is “100 per cent” sure the Gunners followed the right processes with the player.

Partey denies the charges.

He was signed by Arsenal from Atletico Madrid for £45million in 2020.

Villarreal finished fifth in LaLiga last season.

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