Thomas Partey, who missed Ghana’s opening Group L match against Panama, is expected to join Boston in the World Cup against England on Tuesday.
Thomas Partey speaks ahead of England vs Ghana match
Thomas Partey has insisted that Ghana’s absence from their World Cup opener against Panama due to ongoing criminal proceedings in the UK is “just part of football”.
The former Arsenal midfielder was refused entry to Canada after he falsely told authorities when filling out his visa application that he had never been arrested or charged with a crime.
He appealed the ruling, but in an Ottawa courtroom last week, Judge Roger Lafreniere refused to overturn the immigration authorities’ decision.
The 33-year-old has pleaded not guilty to seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault between 2020 and 2022 and is scheduled to go on trial next year.
Ahead of the match against England, Partey said of his absence from Toronto: “Well, I think that’s part of football, and in football things happen that you can’t control.
“For me right now, I feel like I’m ready to play. All right, I feel good. We’ve been training well and everyone’s ready. We’re here to do our best and compete with the rest of the teams. I think preparation is the key.”
England players are expected to shake hands with Partey, who had no problems obtaining a US visa.
Declan Rice will face his former Gunners teammates in the center of the park and Partey, who is expected to leave Villarreal on a free transfer this summer, is relishing the challenge.
He said of playing against Rice: “I know it’s not going to be easy, they’re very good players and I’m happy to play against him again.”
Thomas Partey will play with Ghana against England (Image: Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images)
“I’m really happy to see them (old Arsenal team-mates). I hope they give their best, give themselves the opportunity to play against the best teams, compete and enjoy the game.”
When asked if his experience in English football would help Ghana’s comeback challenge, Partey added: “Well, I don’t think I’m the only one who played in Ghana.
“There are some players who are still playing there and I think it’s a matter of the team and collective play.
“You know, we have to work on the way we play and try to compete with them.
“I think the emotion in camp has been really good since the first game and everyone is here to have fun.
“We’re going to go to this game. We know we’re going to have to play against the best players. So we’re here to compete against the best players and learn.”
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