Arteta addresses situation regarding former midfielder Partey and says he is ‘100%’ sure Arsenal followed right processes.
Mikel Arteta has stated that he is “100%” certain Arsenal handled Thomas Partey, who was accused of five rapes and one sexual assault this month, in accordance with the proper procedures.
When Partey’s contract with Arsenal expired at the end of June, he left the team while still under police investigation. The midfield player is scheduled to appear at Westminster magistrates court on August 5 after being charged on July 4.
The accusations, which concern three women who reported occurrences between 2021 and 2022, have been refuted by Partey. Partey “welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name,” according to his attorney Jenny Wiltshire.
In Singapore, where Arsenal is on a preseason trip, Arteta was questioned about Partey’s condition.
Arsenal said in a statement on the day the charges were announced: “The player’s contract ended on June 30. Due to ongoing legal proceedings the club is unable to comment on the case.”
Arteta, speaking publicly about the matter for the first time, said on Monday: “I think the club was very clear in its statement. There are a lot of legal matters that are very complicated so I cannot comment on any of that.”
It was then put to the manager: “A lot of fans have questions over the way in which the matter was handled by the club. Do you feel confident and comfortable that the club followed all the right processes in that?”
Arteta answered: “100%, yes.”