Thomas Partey has arrived at court on Tuesday, with the former Arsenal midfielder charged with raping two women.
Partey is facing a total of six charges — five counts of rape involving two separate women and one count of sexual assault relating to a third.
The alleged offences are said to have occurred between 2021 and 2022.
The charges came just days after 32-year-old officially departed Arsenal, with his contract having expired on June 30.
Thomas Partey has arrived at court on Tuesday, with the former Arsenal midfielder charged with raping two women
|PA
Four days after his exit, the legal proceedings were formally brought against him.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed it first received a report of rape in February 2022, which later formed part of the investigation leading to the current case.
Partey, through his lawyer Jenny Wiltshire, has denied all allegations.
Wiltshire previously stated that the midfielder 'denies all the charges against him' and is eager for the opportunity to 'finally clear his name.'
Partey had been a regular in Mikel Arteta’s squad since joining Arsenal from Atletico Madrid in 2020.
Last month, Arteta commented on the matter, saying he was '100% sure' the club had followed the correct protocols during Partey's time at the Emirates.
Thomas Partey's lawyer says the former Arsenal star welcomes the opportunity to 'finally clear his name'
|PA
He also said: “I think the club was very clear in its statement.
"There are a lot of legal matters that are very complicated so I cannot comment on any of that.”
An Arsenal spokesperson addressed the situation, noting: “The player’s contract ended on 30 June. Due to ongoing legal proceedings, the club is unable to comment on the case.”
During the 2023/24 season, Partey made 35 appearances for the Gunners and scored four goals. In total, he turned out 167 times for the north London giants and found the net on four occasions.
In the past few days, the midfielder has been linked with a return to Spain with LaLiga side Villarreal.
Thomas Partey made 167 appearances for Arsenal prior to his departure earlier this summer
|PA
Partey has won numerous trophies throughout his football career, which started in Spain with Atletico Madrid.
He won LaLiga, the Europa League and the UEFA Super Cup during his time in the Spanish capital. While at Arsenal, the midfielder was part of the Gunners side that won the Community Shield two years ago, with Manchester City beaten on penalties on that occasion following a 1-1 draw at Wembley.