Arsenal’s Thomas Partey names ex-Chelsea midfielder as his ‘idol’
Last Updated: November 13, 2020 5:24 pm
Partey’s Arsenal stint
One of the most high-profile Premier League transfer deadline day moves, of course, saw Arsenal clinch the services of Thomas Partey from Atletico Madrid.
The midfielder had been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates throughout the summer.
Upon the final day of the market rolling around, though, no move had been agreed. Reports even began to spread suggesting that Partey was altogether unlikely to make the move to the Emirates.
But, as the final moments of the window came to pass, news was finally forthcoming that the Gunners had sealed a deal for the Ghana international.
Partey has since hit the ground running at the Emirates, putting on some starring displays both domestically and in Europe.
The midfielder played an integral role in the Gunners ending their dismal away record vs the ‘big six’, when they downed Manchester United at the beginning of the month.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 01: Thomas Partey of Arsenal is challenged by Paul Pogba of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford on November 01, 2020 in Manchester, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Paul Ellis – Pool/Getty Images)
Partey names ex-Chelsea midfielder as idol
Now, with the latest international break upon us, Partey has been discussing his idols.
Arsenal, of course, have employed countless top quality midfielders through the years, including Patrick Vieira, Emmanuel Petit and Gilberto Silva.
However, it was actually a Chelsea legend whom Partey named as his idol.
The player in question was Michael Essien, who spent nine years plying his trade at Stamford Bridge.
When speaking about Essien, Partey explained:
“He’s a fantastic midfielder. He fights for every ball, he’s a great legend. For me, he’s one of the best midfielders that we’ve ever had in Africa.
“I think we’ve all seen what he has done at Chelsea, what he has done for the Black Stars and for me, he’s my idol.
“I grew up watching Michael Essien, Muntari, the Ayew brothers – they are the people I look up to and they made a lot of impact on Ghanaians. I think this is my moment and I have to make sure I take it.”
Quotes via Arsenal’s official website.
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This article was edited by Conor Laird.
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| Bellerin, Hector | Arsenal FC | 0 | 6 |
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| Fernandes, Bruno | Manchester United FC | 7 |
| Son, Heung Min | Tottenham Hotspur FC | 6 |
| Rashford, Marcus | Manchester United FC | 5 |
| Robertson, Andrew | Liverpool FC | 5 |
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