Thomas Partey ready to face England amid ongoing legal issues
Thomas Partey insists he feels “OK” and is “ready to play” for Ghana against England despite missing his country’s opening World Cup match and facing ongoing criminal proceedings in England, reports BritPanorama.
The midfielder addressed reporters at Ghana’s training base in New England on Monday, ahead of Tuesday night’s Group L clash, after being sidelined during the Black Stars’ 1-0 victory over Panama in Toronto.
Partey was unable to travel to Canada due to a visa application refusal, with reports indicating that details related to his legal issues were not included in the application. The former Arsenal midfielder did not discuss the allegations during the press conference, which he denies, but spoke about his readiness to contribute to the team following his absence.
“I think for me now it’s part of football,” Partey stated. “Things happen outside football that you cannot control but for me now I feel OK and I am ready to play.”
Looking ahead to the match against England, Partey expressed excitement about facing former teammates Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka. “I’m really happy to see them again,” he noted, adding that he hopes they will bring their best performance as they compete at a high level.
His appeal against the visa decision was rejected shortly before Ghana’s opening fixture, forcing him to watch from a distance while his teammates secured a win. Whether England’s players will engage in handshakes with Partey during the pre-match protocol remains uncertain, as the Football Association has suggested that such gestures will be left to individual players’ discretion.
Partey, who has denied multiple counts of sexual assault, faces ongoing legal proceedings with a provisional trial date set for June next year. His legal challenges date back to his arrest in July 2022, before his contract with Arsenal ended in 2025. Despite this, he remains eligible for selection for Ghana as they prepare for a strong performance against England.
In a sport where personal and professional lives often intertwine, the complexities of Partey’s situation reveal the challenges athletes face — how every kick on the pitch can be seen against the backdrop of their life off it. As football moves on, one can’t help but wonder how the game’s spirit confronts the shadows of controversy.
