- Former Arsenal star Thomas Partey expressed heartfelt gratitude to God after making his first appearance for Villarreal
- The 32-year-old had been sidelined since his last game in the Premier League three months ago
- He is currently facing multiple charges of sexual misconduct and is scheduled to return to court for a hearing on September 2
Thomas Partey’s Villarreal journey began on a bright but bittersweet note in a preseason clash against Aston Villa at the Estadio de la Ceramica.
Introduced by coach Marcelino García Toral for the final 15 minutes, the Ghanaian midfielder made his first appearance since signing a one-year deal with an option to extend just days earlier.
Source: Getty Images
Partey praises God after Villarreal debut
The 32-year-old quickly settled into the rhythm of the game. His touches were assured, his passing crisp, and his positioning intelligent.
He threaded line-breaking passes and brought a calming presence to the midfield, showing glimpses of the qualities that earned him a move back to Spain.
Despite his influence, Villarreal could not overturn the deficit. Goals from Ollie Watkins and Emiliano Buendia secured a 2–0 win for the visitors.
Sunday’s outing marked Partey’s first minutes on the pitch since playing a full match for Arsenal in their Premier League finale against Southampton on May 25.
Understandably, the midfielder took to Instagram after the game, writing:
“First minutes in the tank, God is good 🙏🏾🙏🏾❤️”
With preseason behind him, his focus now shifts to Villarreal’s La Liga opener against newly promoted Real Oviedo on Friday, August 15.
Partey’s off-the-field issues
While he starts a fresh chapter in Spain, life away from football has been far from straightforward.
Just four days after his Arsenal contract ended, Partey was formally charged with multiple counts of sexual misconduct in the United Kingdom.
Source: Getty Images
He has already appeared in court and maintains his innocence, a position his lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire, has reiterated.
“He has fully cooperated with the police and CPS [Crown Prosecution Service] throughout their three-year investigation,” she said, as quoted by Al Jazeera.
The astute lawyer added that “given that there are now ongoing legal proceedings, my client is unable to comment further”.
Currently out on conditional bail, he is scheduled to return to the Central Criminal Court, widely known as the Old Bailey, on Tuesday, September 2.
According to Sky Sports, it is unlikely his case will go to trial before 2026. Partey has accepted a significant pay cut to reignite his career in Spain.
For now, his focus remains on helping Villarreal have a strong campaign while facing his legal battles with determination and belief in his innocence.
Partey experiences mixed reception from fans
In a related report, YEN.com.gh highlighted that Thomas Partey experienced a mixed reception from Villarreal supporters on his debut.
The split in opinion among fans in Castellón stems from the multiple sexual offence charges he faces in the UK.
Each time he touched the ball, the stadium’s response was divided: some applauded in support, while others jeered, their whistles piercing through the night.
Source: YEN.com.gh
