Former Arsenal player Thomas Partey has been charged with five counts of sexual assault and rape.
According to London’s Metropolitan Police, the offences took place between 2021 and 2022.
In a report by Sky Sports and accessed by Nairobi News, the revered footballer denied the charges.
World acclaimed sports news sites had earlier reported that the charges relate to three women.
This publication understands that Thomas Partey is scheduled to appear at London’s Westminster Magistrates’ Court on August 5.
Further reports indicate that Partey, 32, was first arrested in July 2022, though he was not named at the time and continued to play for Arsenal while under investigation.
The sudden yet bewildering turn of events shook the entire football space with many fanatics wondering if indeed he may have committed the atrocities or not.
The Ghana international football player spent five seasons at Arsenal after putting pen to paper in 2020 for £45 million.
However, Partey is now a free agent after his contract expired on Monday, June 30.
Partey made 52 appearances for Arsenal last season across all competitions.
Two counts of rape relate to one woman, three counts of rape relate to a second woman and one count of sexual assault relates to a third woman.
“The charges follow an investigation by detectives, which commenced in February 2022 after police first received a report of rape,” Met Police statement read in part.
Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, whose team is leading the investigation, noted;
“Our priority remains providing support to the women who have come forward.”
In a statement, Partey’s defense team, led by Jenny Wiltshire of Hickman and Rose, said:
“Thomas Partey denies all the charges against him. He has fully cooperated with the police and CPS throughout their three-year investigation. He now welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name. Given that there are now ongoing legal proceedings, my client is unable to comment further.”
