Ex-Arsenal player Thomas Partey has pleaded not guilty to rape and sexual assault charges – hours after returning to north London for a Champions League match with new side Villarreal.

After arriving from Atlético Madrid in 2020, the Ghanaian midfielder delivered steady displays throughout his spell at Arsenal. His time with the Gunners came to an end when his deal ran out last season, wrapping up a campaign in which he featured 35 times.

Thomas Partey, formerly of Arsenal and now with Villarreal, has denied allegations of rape and sexual assault. The Ghanaian midfielder appeared at Southwark Crown Court, where he confirmed his personal details and entered not guilty pleas to charges involving three women. Prosecutors allege that between April 2021 and June 2022, while Partey was still playing in England, he committed five counts of rape against two women and sexually assaulted a third. His lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire, has previously emphasized that Partey rejects every accusation. The charges surfaced as Villarreal traveled to London for a Champions League fixture against Tottenham, in which Partey came off the bench late in the match. His court appearance follows an earlier hearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on August 5.

Partey, 32, was charged in July – just four days after leaving Arsenal following the expiration of his contract. He had joined the club from Atletico Madrid in 2020.

The Metropolitan Police said it first received reports of an allegation of rape in February 2022.

An Arsenal spokesperson previously said: “The player’s contract ended on 30 June. Due to ongoing legal proceedings, the club is unable to comment on the case.”

Why was Partey on the pitch?

Villarreal brought him in only a month ago, and he is currently out on conditional bail. Since joining, the Ghanaian midfielder has featured only a few times. His bail terms do not restrict him from playing professionally, though he is required to notify police 24 hours before traveling abroad and is barred from contacting the alleged victims. Tuesday marked his first return to action in England since being charged, but his late cameo did little to alter the contest, with Tottenham preserving the early 1-0 advantage they had secured within the opening minutes.