The midfielder is prepared to play against Tottenham in the Champions League on matchday, just 24 hours prior to his court date in court on rape and sexual assault charges, says Villarreal manager Marcelino
Ghana midfielder Partey, thirty-two, was charged in recent weeks with multiple charges of sexual assault involving individuals and an additional count of criminal behavior against a separate individual
These incidents are reported to have happened between the past few years when he was playing the London club
Partey denies every accusation with legal representative emphasizing that he is eager to prove his credibility”
The court granted him conditional bail and shortly afterward signed for La Liga club, who placed just outside top four in the Spanish top flight recently
Partey will appear at the judicial venue on Wednesday for a court session just 24 hours after Villarreal’s European debut against Tottenham Hotspur
“I am totally convinced that he is mentally prepared and technically prepared for the fixture,” said Marcelino on Monday
“Certainly he will be ready. The club is pleased to have him for his football capacity, football ability and his character”
“He is a great player with a lot of experience. He has played for a lot of top clubs. Everyone recognizes his quality is undeniable”
When asked about potential hostility from the home crowd, he replied that attention is solely on sporting matters
“We're interpreting concerning someone that could be totally innocent,” Marcelino added
“This is about a football match where the important thing is football
“This is where the game began as we know. Is that clear? Thank you”
Partey joined the London club from the Spanish capital club in 2020 and featured over a hundred matches for Arsenal, contributing nine goals
He has played several appearances for his new club this season, making one start
