Arteta defends Arsenal’s handling of Partey exit amid rape allegations
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta defended the club’s approach regarding Thomas Partey’s exit after the Ghanaian midfielder was detained on allegations of rape and sexual assault.The club chose not to extend the contract of the 32-year-old at the conclusion of the last season, and shortly after, he was charged by British authorities with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault occurring between 2021 and 2022.
Partey is scheduled to appear before magistrates in London on August 5.
In a statement issued on July 4, the day of Partey's arrest, Arsenal stated: “The player’s contract ended on June 30. Due to ongoing legal proceedings, the club is unable to comment on the case.”
During Arsenal’s pre-season tour in Singapore, Arteta was questioned if the allegations against Partey influenced the decision to release him.
The Spanish coach expressed that he was “100 percent” sure that Arsenal acted appropriately, adding: “The club was very clear in its statement. There are numerous legal issues that are quite complicated, so I cannot provide any comments on that.”
Partey transferred to Arsenal from Atletico Madrid for £45 million in October 2020.
Last season, he made 35 appearances in the Premier League, netting four goals, and played 12 times in the Champions League.
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