Thomas Partey: Ghana FA backs troubled Villarreal midfielder

Ghana Football Association president Kurt Okraku has backed underperforming Villarreal midfielder Thomas Partey as he struggles to make an impact at the La Liga side.

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📸 Our President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku is live in the studios of Asaase Radio 99.5MHz, Accra this morning on the Asaase Breakfast Show, discussing the growth and future of football in Ghana.@kurtokraku || @asaaseradio995 pic.twitter.com/ASEyhCKlSc

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The former Arsenal midfielder has managed just 14 appearances for the Yellow Submarine since joining on a free transfer after five seasons with the Gunners.

Partey was recently charged with two additional counts of rape, bringing the total number of cases leveled against him to four while denying all allegations.

In an interview with Accra based Asaase Radio, Kurt Okraku spoke candidly about the situation surrounding the Ghana vice-captain:

“Thomas Partey is our deputy captain and a key member of the Black Stars. The GFA will never sleep over any situation with a player like Partey. We’re in constant contact with Partey, and he’s in a good frame of mind despite what we read online. He has a strong mindset, and he’s preparing to represent Ghana at the World Cup,” Okraku said.

“Thomas Partey knows our position. We stand shoulder to shoulder with him during these challenging times. I’m very positive that despite all the happenings, Partey will show up for the World Cup.”

The 32-year-old who has 56 caps with 16 goals for the four time African champions, is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 13 March, with trial scheduled for 2 November. Partey was granted conditional bail after previously entering not guilty pleas to earlier charges which allows him to ply his trade without stiffer restrictions.

The Krobo Odumase-born midfielder spent most of his playing career in Spain with Atletico Madrid with two loan spells at Real Mallorca and Almeria.

In 2020, Arsenal activated his £45 million release clause, signing him in a long-term deal where he made over 100 appearances with nine goals.

Despite his lackluster performance at Villarreal, he is expected to play a part when Ghana takes on Panama, England and Croatia in Group L of the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be co-hosted by USA, Canada and Mexico this summe