Arsenal Coach Mikel Arteta has defended how the club handled the departure of former midfielder Thomas Partey after the 32-year-old Ghanaian was arrested on suspicion of rape and sexual assault.
Partey left the Emirates at the end of June after he was not offered a new contract by the club, days before he was charged by police for the alleged offences as he faces five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.
READ ALSO: Thomas Partey Charged with Multiple Sexual Offences He is due to appear before magistrates on August 5.The club released a statement on July 4, the day of Partey's arrest, saying: "The player's contract ended on June 30.
Due to ongoing legal proceedings the club is unable to comment on the case." Asked on the club's pre-season tour of Singapore whether the allegations and impending police action formed part of the decision not to renew the Ghana international's contract, Arteta said: "The club was very clear in its statement.
