Ghanaian midfielder Partey Prepared to Face Spurs Before Legal Appearance
Villarreal's Ghana international is “ready” to confront Spurs in the Champions League on matchday, just 24 hours before he is set to appear in court on serious criminal allegations, stated gaffer Marcelino
The 32-year-old Partey, in his thirties, had accusations filed previously with five counts of sexual assault involving individuals and an additional count of criminal behavior against a third woman
These incidents are said to have occurred between 2021 and 2022 when he represented the Premier League side
The player has denied every accusation with legal representative emphasizing that he is eager to establish his innocence”
He received temporary freedom and soon after joined La Liga club, who ended the season in fifth position in the Spanish top flight last season
The hearing is set for at the judicial venue on Wednesday for a court session one day after his side’s Champions League opener against Tottenham Hotspur
“I firmly believe that his mindset is right and technically prepared for the fixture,” commented Marcelino on Monday
“For sure he’ll be prepared. We are very happy Thomas is with us for his abilities, on-field talent and his character”
“He is a great player with a lot of experience. His career includes for major sides. We know his quality is undeniable”
Inquired about possible crowd reaction from the home crowd, Marcelino said that attention is solely on the game itself
“There is speculation regarding an individual that could be not guilty,” he emphasized
“We're playing a game of football where what matters is football
“England is where football was invented as we know. Do you understand me? Thank you”
Partey joined Arsenal from the Spanish capital club in the year 2020 and played 167 times for the club, netting several goals
His current record shows multiple matches for Villarreal this season, including a starting role
