Villarreal boss Marcelinho hails Thomas Partey ahead of Tottenham clash
Thomas Partey will receive a hostile reception at Tottenham tonight
Marcelinho says he is happy to have Thomas Partey at Villarreal due to his “football ability and his presence as a human” ahead of his return to North London tonight.
The former Arsenal midfielder is assured of a hostile reception when Villarreal open their Champions League campaign at Tottenham having joined the Yellow Submarine in August.
Partey has been charged with five counts of rape against two women as well as a charge of sexual assault against a third woman, stemming from his time at Arsenal, and will appear at the Old Bailey tomorrow morning. The 32-year-old denies all the allegations.
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Marcelinho talks up Partey’s presence
The subject dominated Marcelinho’s pre-match press conference but the Villarreal boss insisted he was delighted with the Ghanaian’s involvement with the Liga club.
“I am totally convinced that he is mentally prepared and technically prepared to play tomorrow night,” Marcelino said. “For sure he will be ready. We are very happy Thomas is with us for his football capacity, football ability and his presence as a human.
“He is a great player with a lot of experience. He has played for a lot of top clubs. We know he has a great level.
“I think he will get back to a top level. I am very happy he is with us in the team.”
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Marcelinho weary at Partey questioning
Marcelinho appeared to be caught off guard by the line of questioning by the English journalists and asked for more focus on the game.
He added: ”Partey is a great player with a lot of experience. He has played for a lot of top clubs. We know he has a great level.
“I think he will get back to a top level. I am very happy he is with us in the team.
“We’re interpreting stuff about and talking about a player that could be totally innocent.
“We’re playing a game of football tomorrow where the important thing is football. This is where football was invented after all. Do you understand me? Thank you.
“Thomas is with the group, he is available and tomorrow if nothing happens to a player in terms of fitness, he will be with all of us.
“We are talking more about Thomas than the game.”
Partey’s arrival at Villarreal was met with a mixed reaction from fans but no serious protests.
He made his debut on August 15, coming on as a substitute against Oviedo and was met with applause as well as a few whistles.
La Liga London have had their say. Watch the embedded link above and get more from them on the following links: