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Thomas Partey made 167 appearances for Arsenal Ghana international Thomas Partey has joined La Liga club Villarreal following his release from Arsenal. The 32-year-old, who signed for Arsenal in a £45m deal from Atletico Madrid in 2020, left the Gunners when his contract expired at the end of June. Four days later, Partey was charged with five counts of rape against two women and a charge of sexual assault against a third woman. Partey, who denies the charges, was granted conditional bail on Tuesday at Westminster Magistrates' Court. Under the conditions of the bail, Partey must not contact any of the three women and must notify police of any permanent changes of address or international travel. In a statement, Villarreal said: "The club is aware that the player is currently involved in legal proceedings 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 the ongoing proceedings the club is unable to comment further. " The charges against Partey followed an investigation by detectives which started in February 2022. Nearly 1, 000 supporters have signed a petition set up by online content hub the Villarreal Report to protest Partey's signing. Villarreal's statement added that it "wishes to clearly reiterate its strong commitment to respect and diversity and firmly condemns any act of violence in all its forms, including gender-based violence, discrimination, racism, xenophobia, or any behaviour that undermines the dignity of individuals". Partey, who will join up with his new club on Friday, is due to appear at the Old Bailey on 2 September. His move follows Villarreal's 3-2 friendly win against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday. Listen to the latest Football Daily podcast Man Utd agree £74m deal for Leipzig striker Sesko Scotland star Mc Tominay nominated for Ballon d'Or Mc Grath predicts 5-0 win for Australia in Ashes A legendary automotive dream, stalled by scandal and greed The latest update on the George Gibney case James May flies to the edge of space in a U2 spy plane Rob Ince speaks about his new ADHD diagnosis My 30-year-old world record 'not a good sign for athletics' - Edwards When England won by two runs - the greatest ever Test match? Video When England won by two runs - the greatest ever Test match? Newcastle's summer of frustration - what's going on? When do top European leagues start - and who will star? Brave complete nail-biting win over Originals. Video Brave complete nail-biting win over Originals Debt, delays & desperation - how Sheff Wed crisis impacts fans Why is it so hard to break into the NFL? Meet post-grad medic who stunned Muir at UK Champs From Premier League title to yo-yo club - Leicester's unforgettable decade Bring back the Delap delivery - how to make throw-ins a weapon 'Winning the Ashes would be Stokes' greatest miracle' How will Russell feel about Mercedes contract saga? How to win at FPL - our experts give their best tips Lions tour awards - best player, moment and try, and a word on the Welshman. .. 'One of the great Test matches' - India earn series draw with narrow win. Video'One of the great Test matches' - India earn series draw with narrow win 'I needed to get myself together' - Fitzpatrick on finding form Becky Zerlentes - the first female boxer to die in fight in US Hansie Cronje, match-fixing and plane crash that left a complex legacy Copyright © 2025 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.