Thomas Partey Trains with Villarreal for First Time, Stephen Appiah and Stonebwoy React
- Thomas Partey’s maiden training session with Villarreal has drawn reactions from Stephen Appiah and Stonebwoy
- The Ghanaian midfielder could make his debut for the Spanish side as early as Sunday, August 10, in a warm-up match
- His ongoing legal case in the UK continues to overshadow his career, but Partey maintains his innocence
Former Arsenal star Thomas Partey’s first day on the training pitch with Villarreal has stirred reactions from some prominent Ghanaians.
The 32-year-old midfielder took part in his maiden session with the Spanish La Liga side on Friday, August 8, just days after signing a one-year deal.
Source: Instagram
Partey trains with Villarreal for the first time
Despite the heavy cloud of legal controversy surrounding him, Partey looked calm and assured as he joined his new teammates at the Ciutat Esportiva de Vila-Real.
Wearing Villarreal’s training kit, he moved through fitness drills and tactical exercises under the watchful eye of head coach Marcelino García Toral.
The midfielder blended in seamlessly, showing no signs of discomfort in his new surroundings.
Watch the video:
The club later posted photos from the session on Instagram, drawing hundreds of comments from fans and well-wishers.
How Stonebwoy and Appiah reacted to Partey's first Villarreal training
Among those showing support were two familiar Ghanaian figures, former Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah and award-winning dancehall artiste Stonebwoy.
Stonebwoy, whose real name is Livingston Etse Satekla, kept it short but powerful. He dropped two fire emojis:
@stonebwoy wrote:
"🔥🔥"
Appiah, who earned 69 caps for Ghana during his playing career, per Transfermarkt, sent a similar message of encouragement with two muscle emojis:
@stephenappiahofficial wrote:
"💪🏾💪🏾"
Their gestures reflected quiet solidarity for a compatriot facing a difficult chapter in his life.
Partey could feature for Villarreal as early as Sunday, August 10, when the team meets Aston Villa in a preseason clash, per Flashscore.
Five days later, the Yellow Submarine will host Real Oviedo at the Estadio de la Cerámica to kick off their domestic campaign.
Source: Getty Images
Partey's serious legal case
While his football journey takes a new turn in Spain, legal matters continue to loom large.
Partey is currently out on conditional bail in the United Kingdom after appearing in court over serious allegations.
According to the BBC, he is set to make his next appearance on Tuesday, September 2, at the Central Criminal Court, widely known as the Old Bailey.
He faces five counts of non-consensual acts and one charge of sexual assault.
Despite the gravity of the accusations, the midfielder has consistently maintained his innocence.
Partey takes huge pay cut at Villarreal
In another report, YEN.com.gh revealed that Thomas Partey has taken a substantial pay cut after swapping Arsenal for Villarreal.
The 32-year-old, who once earned £200,000 a week in North London, will now pocket €3.12 million annually before tax, roughly €60,000 per week, at his new club. This represents a drastic 74.5% drop in wages compared to his earnings at Arsenal.
Source: YEN.com.gh
