Spanish club Villarreal CF have officially announced the signing of Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey, even as the 32-year-old faces serious legal allegations in the United Kingdom.
In a statement confirming the move, the La Liga side acknowledged the ongoing criminal proceedings in London, where Partey is facing five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault related to alleged incidents between 2021 and 2022. The midfielder has denied the charges and is currently out on bail.
Partey, who appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court last Tuesday, is scheduled for his next hearing at the Old Bailey on September 2.
Villarreal stressed their commitment to respecting the legal process, affirming their “respect for the fundamental principle of the presumption of innocence,” while also noting that they are unable to comment further due to UK legal restrictions.
The club described Partey as “a complete midfielder with great stamina,” pointing to his career achievements with Atlético Madrid and Arsenal. However, they also used the occasion to reiterate their stance on off-field issues, declaring a “strong commitment to respect and diversity” and condemning “any act of violence in all its forms.”
Partey’s bail conditions restrict contact with the three women involved in the case and require him to inform authorities of any travel plans.
For now, the former Arsenal man begins a new chapter in his football career in Spain but under the looming cloud of a legal battle that will define more than just his future on the pitch.
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