Thomas Partey Reacts to Atletico Madrid Return as Villarreal Suffers First Defeat of the Season
- Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey has shared his reaction following his return to Atletico Madrid in La Liga
- The 32-year-old spoke after Villarreal suffered their first defeat of the Spanish top-flight campaign
- Partey is also expected to make a second court appearance rescheduled for Monday, September 15
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Thomas Partey was all smiles as he stepped onto familiar ground at Atletico Madrid’s Wanda Metropolitano, even though Villarreal’s unbeaten run came to an end.
The Ghanaian midfielder, making his first start for the Yellow Submarine, lined up against his former side in a clash that stirred memories of his successful years under Diego Simeone.
Source: Getty Images
Partey returns to Atletico Madrid with Villarreal
Atletico, however, proved too strong. Pablo Barrios opened the scoring in the ninth minute after a defensive lapse, and debutant Nico Gonzalez sealed the victory with a towering header shortly after the break.
Partey put in a solid shift before being substituted in the 64th minute.
He registered an 84 per cent pass completion rate, made two interceptions, and won several duels in the air and on the ground. Sofascore rated his overall display at 6.5.
Despite the result, Thomas was thrilled to return to the place where he rose to prominence.
“I feel good. I’m happy to be playing, and I’m happy with the team, with the coaches and everything. I’m happy to be back here playing again in Wanda, and I think it’s been a long time, and I’m happy,” he told 3news.
Watch Partey's performance vs Atletico:
The midfielder played 188 matches for Atletico between 2013 and 2020 before moving to Arsenal in a £45 million deal.
His strong start with Villarreal has already fueled speculation of a possible return to Madrid when his Arsenal contract officially ends in June 2025.
Partey balances football and ongoing legal battle
Away from the pitch, Partey is also facing legal troubles in the United Kingdom.
He has been charged with five counts of non-consensual acts involving two women, as well as an additional count of sexual assault against a third.
The incidents are alleged to have taken place between 2021 and 2022 during his Arsenal spell.
The former Arsenal man was due in court at London’s Old Bailey earlier this month, but the case was moved to Southwark Crown Court and rescheduled for September 15.
The charges were filed just days after his Arsenal contract expired at the end of June.
Despite the proceedings, Partey has remained active in football.
According to Transfermarkt, he has featured in all four of Villarreal’s opening La Liga matches this season, accumulating 139 minutes of play.
Source: Getty Images
On the international stage, he missed Ghana’s stalemate against Chad but returned to help the Black Stars secure a crucial 1-0 victory over Mali in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Partey to face Kudus in UCL showdown
In a related report, YEN.com.gh noted that Thomas Partey is gearing up for a thrilling showdown with Mohammed Kudus in this season’s UEFA Champions League.
Both stars have kicked off their domestic seasons in fine form and will be determined to carry that momentum onto Europe’s biggest stage.
Source: YEN.com.gh
