Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey, facing five rape charges in England, on Thursday completed a move to Spanish club Villarreal.
βThe 32-year-old Ghana international, who denies the allegations, was granted conditional bail on August 5 after appearing in a London court on five counts of rape against two women and one count of sexual assault against a third woman.
βThe alleged offences took place between 2021 and 2022, when he was an Arsenal player.
βPartey was charged on July 4, four days after leaving the Gunners when his contract expired at the end of June.
βIn announcing his arrival, Villarreal stressed that they respect the βfundamental principle of the presumption of innocenceβ.
βThe clubβs statement continued: βThe player strongly proclaims his innocence and denies all the accusations made against him.
ββThe clubβ¦ awaits the judiciaryβs decision, which will be responsible for clarifying the facts alleged against him.β
βPartey is due to appear at Londonβs Old Bailey court on September 2.
βHe joined Arsenal for Β£45 million ($60 million) from Atletico Madrid in October 2020.
βHe appeared 52 times for the Gunners last season and scored four goals.
βOverall Partey played 167 games for the club, scoring nine times.
βHe has also made 51 appearances for Ghana.
βVillarreal finished fifth in La Liga last season to qualify for the Champions League.
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βAFP
