Villarreal signs Partey in spite of player facing rape charges

MADRID, Aug. 8 (Xinhua) -- Villarreal has signed former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey on a one-season contract after his release by the Premier League club at the end of last season.

The 32-year-old joins the Spanish club, just days after being released on bail from a London court after being charged with five counts of rape against two women and sexual assault against a third for events alleged to have happened in 2021 and 2022.

Partey, who denies the charges, is due to appear in the Old Bailey court in London on September 2nd, but that has not dissuaded Villarreal from signing him, with the club explaining its decision in a statement.

"The club is aware that the player is currently involved in legal proceedings in England," said Villareal in a statement, adding "the player firmly maintains his innocence and denies all charges against him."

"The club respects the fundamental principle of the presumption of innocence and will await the outcome of the judicial process, which will be responsible for clarifying the facts of the case."

"Due to the law in England in relation to the ongoing proceedings the club is unable to comment further," concludes the statement.

The signing has divided opinion among Villarreal supporters with around 1,000 signing an online decision which calls the decision "the darkest day in the club's history." ■