Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has addressed the media for the first time since former midfielder Thomas Partey was officially charged with rape by UK authorities.
Partey, whose contract with the North London club expired in June 2025, is no longer an Arsenal player. The charges, which come at the end of a lengthy investigation that began in 2022, were filed after his departure.
Speaking at a press briefing on Friday, Arteta was asked whether Arsenal had acted appropriately during Partey’s time at the club.
“I think the club was clear in the statement, and there are a lot of legal matters that are very complicated. I cannot comment about that,” Arteta said.
Pressed further on whether Arsenal followed the correct protocols during the investigation, he firmly stated: “100%.”
Partey continued to play for Arsenal throughout the police investigation, a decision that attracted public scrutiny at the time. No formal charges had been made by the police or the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) during his spell with the club.
Earlier this month, the CPS confirmed that the former Ghana international is now facing rape charges. Legal proceedings are expected to begin in the coming weeks, with Partey scheduled to appear in court.
