Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey has expressed his satisfaction after making his debut for Al Shabab in the Saudi Pro League.
Partey came on in the 58th minute as Al Shabab drew 1-1 with Al Khaleej, just hours after completing his move to the Riyadh-based club.
The 33-year-old midfielder featured for 32 minutes and nearly marked his debut with a goal in the 80th minute, but his effort went narrowly wide.
Reflecting on his first appearance for the club, Partey said: “Yeah, I think it’s amazing. I like it. It’s my first game here, and I thought we did great.”
The Ghanaian completed 94 percent of his passes, connected with all of his attempted long balls and also recorded a recovery during his brief appearance.
Despite Al Shabab being unable to secure all three points, Partey believes the team created enough opportunities to win.
“We could have scored. We had the chance to score, but it’s part of football. We have to just keep working hard and try to make more points and get three points in our next game,” he said.
Partey joined Al Shabab on a one-year contract after leaving Spanish club Villarreal, where he made 32 appearances last season.
His move to Saudi Arabia follows a distinguished European career that included spells with Atletico Madrid and Arsenal.
The experienced midfielder says he is ready to give his best to his new club.
“I think it’s normal. I will do my best to give everything to this club, and I’m really happy to be here,” Partey said.
Al Shabab have picked up one point from their opening two league matches and are currently 13th in the Saudi Pro League.
Their next match is against Al Riyadh on August 25.
Partey’s return to competitive action will also be closely monitored in Ghana, with the midfielder expected to remain an important figure for the Black Stars ahead of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign in September.
The former Arsenal player started three of Ghana’s four matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and will be hoping his new chapter in Saudi Arabia helps him regain his top form.
