Villarreal Acknowledge Legal Proceedings as Thomas Partey Joins Spanish Club
Spanish La Liga side Villarreal CF have reiterated their commitment to legal principles and diversity following the signing of Ghanaian international Thomas Partey, who is currently facing multiple criminal charges in the United Kingdom.
The 32-year-old midfielder, who joins from Arsenal, has been charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, related to alleged incidents that reportedly took place between 2021 and 2022 in London.
Partey appeared before Westminster Magistrates’ Court last Tuesday and maintains his innocence. His lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire, stated that he “welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name.”
In their official statement, Villarreal emphasized their “respect for the fundamental principle of presumption of innocence,” confirming that the club cannot comment further due to legal restrictions in the UK regarding ongoing proceedings.
While acknowledging the gravity of the legal case, Villarreal also used the opportunity to highlight Partey’s sporting pedigree, describing him as “a complete midfielder with great stamina”, and recalling his success at both Atlético Madrid and Arsenal.
The club added that it “strongly commits to respect and diversity,” and firmly condemns “any act of violence in all its forms.”
“The player staunchly maintains his innocence and denies all charges against him. The club respects his presumption of innocence as a fundamental principle and awaits the ruling of the court, which will be responsible for clarifying the facts against him. Given British law regarding ongoing proceedings, the club will not comment further on this matter.” The statement said.
The Ghanaian midfielder, who previously starred in La Liga with Atlético Madrid before his move to the Premier League, now returns to Spain hoping to revive his career amidst the legal scrutiny.
