Former Ghana midfielder Awudu Issaka talking exclusively to Footy-Africa expressed belief that Thomas Partey’s move to Villarreal has come at the right time as it offers the midfielder a chance to escape what could have been a hostile atmosphere had he stayed in England.
Partey has sealed a return to Spain as a free agent after leaving Arsenal, signing for La Liga side Villarreal. The 32-year-old is currently facing legal proceedings in the UK, where he is battling allegations of rape and sexual assault. He appeared before a London court on Tuesday, August 5, and was granted conditional bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for September 2.
Issaka, a member of Ghana’s victorious U-17 team at the 1995 World Cup, said Spain offers Partey a familiar and more stable environment at a difficult time in his life.
“I think Thomas will feel more at peace in Spain. He knows the league well, the pace of the game, the culture, it’s all familiar to him. This kind of environment is what he needs now, especially with so much going on away from football,” Issaka exclusively told Footy-Africa.
Thomas Partey: Three Reasons Ghana Star Will Shine at Villareal
Issaka noted that remaining in the Premier League would have exposed Partey to relentless pressure from the public and the media.
“Let’s be frank, England would have been hell for him. The fans there are very passionate, and with such serious allegations surrounding him, he would’ve been booed every weekend. That’s not something any player can easily cope with,” he said.
“Constant stress and public judgment affect performance. It can break a player mentally. Leaving that behind to focus purely on football again is the best decision he could have made.”
On Friday Thomas Partey trained for the first time at his new club’s facilities.
Thomas Partey completa su primer entrenamiento como jugador del Villarreal pic.twitter.com/7b1AVZlNKU
— Villarreal CF (@VillarrealCF) August 8, 2025
Issaka added that while the legal process must take its course, Partey deserves a fair trial and the chance to clear his name.
“From all I’ve known about him, Thomas is a good person. I just hope he gets a fair hearing. That’s important, not just for his career, but for his future,” he said. “There’s still a lot left in him as a player. Hopefully, this move helps him rebuild, both professionally and personally.”
Partey previously spent seven seasons at Atlético Madrid before joining Arsenal in 2020.
