Ghanaian international Thomas Partey reveals that he sought a “challenge” for himself when he made the decision to join Arsenal and compete in the Premier League.
After spending over seven years at La Liga side Atletico Madrid, Partey made the move to England in 2020, joining the North London club in a reported £45 million transfer, making him the most expensive Ghanaian player of all time.
Now in his fourth season in the Premier League, the 30-year-old reflects on his time in England, admitting that it has been a different experience compared to his tenure in Spain.
In an interview with Arsenal’s official website, the Black Stars vice-captain shares his thoughts on his transition to Arsenal and the challenges he faced.
“Everybody knows about Arsenal, the profile, and I had arrived as one of the stars, there to help the team to grow. So it was a big change, and the style of play is different too. All I could do was stay positive, get used to it, and learn to deal with a new situation where everybody expects you to be at your very top level every single day. It was a good learning experience for me.”
He acknowledges the pressure that comes with joining a club like Arsenal, with its high profile and scrutiny. “Everybody knows about Arsenal, the profile, and I had arrived as one of the stars, there to help the team to grow. So it was a big change, and the style of play is different too. All I could do was stay positive, get used to it, and learn to deal with a new situation where everybody expects you to be at your very top level every single day. It was a good learning experience for me.
Despite the challenges, Partey embraced the opportunity to test himself in the demanding Premier League environment. “One of the reasons I joined though was for that challenge,” he admits. “I know the Premier League is very tough, but I wanted to feel that challenge, to test myself, and feel capable of doing it.”
Since his move to Arsenal, Partey has made 106 appearances for the club, coming close to leading them to the Premier League title during the 2022/23 season. Despite injury setbacks this season, he remains committed to contributing to Arsenal’s pursuit of success in the league.
As Arsenal enters the final stretch of the season, Partey aims to play a pivotal role in their title chase, showcasing his determination to overcome challenges and thrive in the Premier League.
