Thomas Partey has broken his silence after missing Ghana's World Cup opener against Panama due to ongoing criminal proceedings in the UK, describing the situation as "just part of football." The former Arsenal midfielder was denied entry into Canada after incorrectly stating on his visa application that he had never been arrested or charged with a crime. He appealed the decision, but last week, Ottawa judge Justice Roger Lafrenière upheld the initial ruling by immigration officials.
Partey's visa ordeal and legal situation
The 33-year-old is due to stand trial next year after pleading not guilty to seven charges of rape and one count of sexual assault, alleged to have occurred between 2020 and 2022. As a result of the visa denial, Partey missed Ghana's Group L fixture against Panama, but he is now set to face England on Tuesday. Speaking ahead of the match, Partey said: "Well I think it's part of football, things happen in football that you cannot control. For me now, I feel ready to play. I'm okay, I'm feeling good."
Team morale and preparation
Partey, who is set to leave Villarreal on a free transfer this summer, expressed confidence in Ghana's preparation. "We've been training good and everybody is ready, we are here to try our best and compete with the rest of the teams and I think preparation is key," he added. England's players are expected to shake hands with Partey, and Declan Rice is poised to face his former Arsenal teammate in midfield. Partey said: "I know it's not going to be easy, very good players and I'm happy to play against him again."
Reunion with former Arsenal teammates
Partey also looked forward to meeting his old Arsenal colleagues. "I'm really happy to see them again. I hope they're going to bring their best and try to give ourselves the opportunity to play against the best, try to compete and enjoy the game," he said. When asked whether his experience in English football could benefit Ghana, Partey replied: "Well I think I'm not the only one who played there. There are still players who are playing there and I think it's about the team and collective play. We have to work on our way of playing and try to compete with them."
Team spirit and outlook
Partey described the atmosphere in the Ghana camp as positive. "I think the emotions in camp are really good from our first game, everybody is here to enjoy. We are going to this game, we know we have to compete with the best players and that's why we are here, to compete with the best players and also to learn," he concluded.
