Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has defended the club’s handling of Thomas Partey’s exit, following the Ghanaian midfielder’s arrest over multiple rape and sexual assault charges.
Partey, 32, was released by Arsenal at the end of last season after his contract expired on June 30. Just days later, British authorities charged him with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, allegedly committed between 2021 and 2022. He is scheduled to appear before a London magistrate on August 5.
In a statement issued on July 4, coinciding with the day of his arrest, Arsenal said: “The player’s contract ended on June 30. Due to ongoing legal proceedings, the club is unable to comment on the case.”
Speaking during Arsenal’s pre-season tour of Singapore, Arteta responded to questions about whether the allegations were the primary reason behind the club’s decision not to renew Partey’s contract.
“I’m 100 percent convinced the club followed the right process,” Arteta stated. “Arsenal was very clear in its statement. There are many legal issues involved, and I cannot speak further on that.”
Partey joined Arsenal from Atlético Madrid in a £45 million deal in October 2020. He made 35 Premier League appearances last season, scoring four goals, and also featured 12 times in the UEFA Champions League.
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