Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has been formally charged with five counts of rape, along with one count of sexual assault, according to British police. The alleged incidents reportedly took place between 2021 and 2022.
Partey, 32, denies all the charges, with his lawyer Jenny Wiltshire stating that he looks forward to the chance to clear his name. He is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on August 5.
The investigation began in February 2022 following an initial report of rape. The five rape charges involve two different women, while the sexual assault charge involves a third woman.
Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy from the Metropolitan Police emphasized that supporting the women who have come forward remains a priority and encouraged anyone affected or with information to contact the authorities.
Partey, a Ghana international, is currently a free agent after his contract with Arsenal expired at the end of last season. He had joined the Premier League club in 2020 for a transfer fee of £45.3 million ($61.8 million) from Atletico Madrid.
During his career at Atletico, Partey won the Spanish league title and the Europa League. He was also part of Arsenal’s squad that finished as Premier League runners-up in each of the last three seasons.
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