By Rex Mphisa / BBC
Former Arsenal footballer Thomas Partey has denied raping two women and sexually assaulting a third woman.
The Ghanaian midfielder, loved by many Zimbabwean soccer followers, pleaded not guilty to five counts of rape and one charge of sexual assault when he appeared at Southwark Crown Court.
The alleged offences took place between 2021 and 2022, when the 32-year-old regularly played in the Premier League. He was charged four days after leaving the north London club, following the expiration of his contract at the end of June.
Mr Partey was granted bail until his trial, which is due to start at the same court on 2 November next year.
He spoke to confirm his name before pleading not guilty to each of the charges made against him.
The midfielder, who now plays for Spanish side Villareal, was already in England as his new team played Spurs in the Champions League on Tuesday. He came on as a substitute in what turned out to be a 1-0 loss for his team.
The conditions of his bail do not prevent Mr Partey from playing football, but he must notify police of any international travel 24 hours in advance and must not contact the complainants.
Villarreal CF and Thomas Partey have reached an agreement for the Ghanaian footballer to join the Yellows ahead of the 2025/26 season. The player will join up with his new team tomorrow at the Training Ground.
Thomas Teye Partey (Krobo Odumase, 13/06/93) is a complete midfielder with great stamina and exceptional physical attributes.
He is an excellent ball-winner and has the ability to start moves from deep. The African footballer also boasts a good shot from mid-range and has the ability to break lines when driving forward.
The experienced Ghanaian midfielder has earned more than 50 caps for his national team. He has also represented Arsenal FC, Atlético de Madrid, UD Almería and RCD Mallorca. With the English side, he won the FA Community Shield (2023/24), while with the Madrid outfit he lifted the LaLiga title (2020/21), the UEFA Super Cup (2018/19) and the UEFA Europa League (17/18).
On the other hand, the club is also aware that the player is currently involved in legal proceeding in England.
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 ongoing proceedings the club is unable to comment further.