Thomas Partey's lawyer has insisted the former Arsenal midfielder “denies all the charges against him" after he was charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault by the Metropolitan Police.
The 32-year-old allegedly carried out the offences between 2021 and 2022, the Met Police said. Partey has been charged with two counts of rape of one woman, three counts of rape to a second woman and one count of sexual assault of a third woman.
In a statement, Partey's lawyer Jenny Wiltshire said her client "fully co-operated with the police and CPS" during the three-year investigation. "Thomas Partey denies all the charges against him," she said. "He has fully cooperated with the police and CPS throughout their three-year investigation.
"He now welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name. Given that there are now ongoing legal proceedings, my client is unable to comment further."
Partey signed for Arsenal from Atletico Madrid in 2020 for a fee of £45million. He went on to make 167 appearances for the club before leaving following the expiration of his contract on June 30.
Partey, of Hertfordshire, is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on August 5. Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, whose team is leading the investigation, said: “Our priority remains providing support to the women who have come forward.
“We would ask anyone who has been impacted by this case, or anyone who has information, to speak with our team. You can contact detectives about this investigation by emailing CIT@met.police.uk.”
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