Villarreal confirm Partey signing and address sexual offence charges in statement

Villarreal says it ‘firmly condemns … gender-based violence’

Thomas Partey outside Westminster magistrates court in London on Tuesday. Pic: Yui Mok/PA Wire

Villarreal have confirmed the signing of Thomas Partey on a free transfer after the expiry of his contract with Arsenal. The move was announced two days after the 32-year-old appeared in court charged with six sexual offences.

Partey was bailed to appear at the Old Bailey for trial later this year, charged with five counts of rape relating to two women and a charge of sexual assault against a third woman. The alleged offences are said to have taken place in 2021 and 2022 when Partey was playing for Arsenal.