Ghana international Thomas Partey made his first-ever appearance in Villarreal CF’s shirt against Aston Villa in a pre-season friendly on Saturday afternoon.
Partey, who arrived at the Estadio de la Ceramica outfit last weekend to begin new life after leaving Arsenal, made his debut for the Spanish club in their 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa.
Goals from Ollie Watkins and Emi Buendia in the 23rd and 49th minute helped the Premier League side to inflict a defeat to Villarreal CF to wrap up their 2025–26 pre-season scrimmages.
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 denied the charges, was granted conditional bail last 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.
The charges against Partey followed an investigation by detectives which started in February 2022.
Nearly 1,000 supporters signed a petition set up by online content hub the Villarreal Report to protest Partey’s signing.
However, the Villarreal’s statement on Partey’s signing stated that the club “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 signed a two-year contract with Villarreal CF, is due to appear at the Old Bailey on September 2, 2025.
He is expected to make a La Liga debut for Villarreal CF against Real Oviedo in the Spanish La Liga opener on Friday, August 15, 2025.
