Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has defended the club’s handling of Thomas Partey’s departure, following the midfielder’s arrest on suspicion of rape and sexual assault.
Partey, 32, was not offered a contract extension after his deal expired at the end of last season. Just days later, he was formally charged by British police with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, relating to incidents that allegedly occurred between 2021 and 2022.
He is scheduled to appear before magistrates in London on August 5.
In a statement released on July 4 the day of Partey’s arrest,Arsenal said:
“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 asked whether the allegations influenced the decision not to renew Partey’s contract.
The Spaniard responded: “I am 100 percent convinced the club followed the correct procedure.”
He added,“The club’s statement was very clear. There are numerous legal complexities involved, so I cannot comment further.”
Partey joined Arsenal from Atletico Madrid in October 2020 for £45 million. He made 35 Premier League appearances last season, scoring four goals, and featured 12 times in the Champions League.
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