Premier League giants Arsenal have released a statement after Thomas Partey was charged with multiple counts of rape and one count of sexual assault on Friday.
The North London club have distanced themselves from the 32-year-old Black Stars of Ghana midfielder, who became a free agent after his contract in North London expired at the end of June.
The Crown Prosecution Service has authorised the Metropolitan Police to charge Partey with five counts of rape and one of sexual assault between 2021 and 2022.
He is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, August 5, following a three-year investigation.
A CPS statement noted that two counts of rape are related to one female, while the other three are linked to a second. Partey’s sexual assault charge is in connection to a third woman.
On Friday evening, Arsenal broke their silence on the matter with a short statement to BBC Sport (via Express).
“The player’s contract ended on June 30. Due to ongoing legal proceedings, the club is unable to comment on the case.”
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Partey was reportedly due to get married to English model and influencer Janine Mackson in Spain at the weekend.
He spent five years at the Emirates Stadium after a £45million switch from Atletico Madrid in 2020.
During his time at Arsenal Partey made 167 appearances but only lifted the Community Shield thanks to a penalty shootout win against Manchester City.
At Atletico Madrid he won the La Liga title, Europa League title and the UEFA Super Cup.
He was also part of the Atletico Madrid side that lost to city rivals Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League final in 2016.
