A mainstay in Arsenal’s rigid midfield system, he’s provided the steel and determination reminiscent of his manager Mikel Arteta during his playing days – impressing with his powerful displays, and scoring model Wag Gifty.
Thomas Partey has established himself in Arsenal’s engine room Credit: Instagram@thomaspartey5
Partey owes his success to his father who sold his possessions so he could afford a visa for his son to go to Spain Credit: Instagram @thomaspartey5
And that was enough to convince the Gunners to part with £45million to activate his release clause on deadline day, after a summer-long transfer saga.
And it was Partey’s dad who helped the aspiring footballer achieve his dream by selling off his possessions so the family could afford a visa for Thomas to travel to Spain for a trial.
HUMBLE BEGINNINGS
Born in the town of Krobo Odumase in 1993, Partey was the eldest of eight siblings.
His mother worked as a petty trader, while his dad was a beloved football coach for a local team.
It was only natural he would play with a football from a young age.
He starred for his father’s team, alongside his brother Frances. They both saw football as a pathway to a life away from their slums.
Partey was given the nickname ‘Senegal’ by his dad, because he reminded him of a friend with the same name.
As Thomas continued to develop his talent, he harboured dreams of travelling to Europe.
Along with his brother Frances, Partey, (left) dreamed of becoming a footballer Credit: Instagram @thomaspartey5
Partey often visits the town of Krobo Odumase, where he is from Credit: Instagram @thomaspartey5
Partey played for the local football team his dad coached Credit: Instagram @thomaspartey5
Knowing their son was blessed with talent, his parents attempted to raise money for his trip by seeking sponsors in case an opportunity abroad came.
However, the family failed in raising the capital – and were forced to think of other means.
MAKING A SACRIFICE
Round about the same time, Partey was a stand out player for Odometah FC.
He was signed up by an agent, and although he wasn’t the best player in the team, a once-in-a-lifetime chance to move to Europe was in the offing.
“There was someone better than me, a forward who scored all the goals, but he did not want to come to Europe and wanted to play for a team in Ghana,” Partey told Marca.
“So my turn came and when he asked me what I wanted I said to triumph in football so as to help my family.
“He asked me who was my father and he went to speak to him to ask if he could take me to Spain for a trial, but never said which team.
The Partey family had to make many sacrifices for their son to achieve his football dream Credit: Instagram @thomaspartey5
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Today, Partey is recognised as one of Europe’s leading midfielders Credit: AFP OR LICENSORS
“I went with the agent who did all my papers but I had nothing to do, I just trained, ate and slept until the day arrived when I had to travel, which I did not know when it would be or what time.”
FATHER’S GENEROSITY
What Partey wasn’t privy to was how his visa was paid for.
It turned out that he owed a great debt to his dad, who sold some of his prized possessions to fund his son’s ambitions.
Partey explained: “He made a big effort and he sold things in order to get my papers and to buy me boots.
“He had helped me since I was small as without boots you could not play. He also helped a lot the team from my neighbourhood and I remember we brought food.”
Incredibly, Partey didn’t get an opportunity to say goodbye to his family before he had to travel to Spain.
