Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has defended the club’s decision to part ways with Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey following his arrest on multiple rape and sexual assault charges in the United Kingdom.
Speaking during a press briefing on Arsenal’s pre-season tour in Singapore, Arteta said he was “100 percent” convinced that the club acted appropriately in handling Partey’s departure.
“The club was very clear in its statement. There are a lot of legal matters that are very complicated, so I cannot comment on any of that,” Arteta said.
Partey, 32, was arrested and charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault allegedly committed between 2021 and 2022. He is scheduled to appear before magistrates in London on August 5.
Arsenal had announced on July 4 that Partey’s contract, which ended on June 30, would not be renewed. “Due to ongoing legal proceedings, the club is unable to comment on the case,” Arsenal said in a brief statement at the time.
Partey joined Arsenal in October 2020 from Atletico Madrid for £45 million. He made 35 Premier League appearances last season, scoring four goals, and played 12 times in the UEFA Champions League.
The club’s silence on the reasons for Partey’s release had prompted speculation, but Arteta maintained that all decisions were made in accordance with proper procedures.
