Villarreal have confirmed the signing of Thomas Partey on a free switch after the expiry of his contract with Arsenal. The transfer was introduced two days after the 32-year-old appeared in court docket charged with six sexual offences.
Partey was bailed to look on the Outdated Bailey for trial later this 12 months, charged with 5 counts of rape relating to 2 girls and a cost of sexual assault towards a 3rd lady. The alleged offences are mentioned to have taken place in 2021 and 2022 when Partey was taking part in for Arsenal.
The Ghana worldwide has signed a one-season contract and can be a part of the Villarreal squad in coaching on Friday. His arrival has upset followers of the Spanish membership, with a whole bunch signing a petition urging a halt to what has been described because the “darkest day within the membership's historical past”.
Villarreal mentioned in an announcement: “The membership is conscious that the participant is at the moment concerned in authorized proceedings in England. The participant firmly maintains his innocence and denies all fees towards him. The membership respects the elemental precept of the presumption of innocence and can await the end result of the judicial course of, which will likely be liable for clarifying the info of the case. Because of the legislation in England in relation to ongoing proceedings, the membership is unable to remark additional.
“Villarreal CF needs to obviously reiterate its sturdy dedication to respect and variety and firmly condemns any act of violence in all its kinds, together with gender-based violence, discrimination, racism, xenophobia or any behaviour that undermines the dignity of people.”
Partey made 167 appearances for Arsenal after becoming a member of from Atlético Madrid in 2020. Villarreal beat Arsenal 3-2 in a pleasant on Wednesday.
