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Ex-Arsenal star Thomas Partey was today charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.
The 32-year-old footballer is accused of attacking three women between 2021 and 2022.
The charges follow a three year investigation by Scotland Yard and comes just five days after his Arsenal contract expired on June 30.
He is currently without a club after five Premier League seasons at the Emirates.
The Ghanaian international midfielder is accused of five counts of rape. Two counts of rape relate to one woman and three counts of rape relate to a second woman.
The one count of sexual assault relates to a third woman. None of the alleged victims can be named. He will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on August 5.
The Crown Prosecution Service has said the charges came after it 'carefully reviewed a comprehensive file of evidence'.
Partey 'denies all the charges against him' and 'welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name', his lawyer said this afternoon.
Ex-Arsenal star Thomas Partey was today charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. He was first arrested three years ago
The 32-year-old is accused of attacking three women between 2021 and 2022
The Metropolitan Police said the investigation into Thomas Partey began in February 2022 after officers first received a report of rape.
He was first arrested in July 2022, though he was not named at the time and continued to play for Arsenal while investigations were ongoing.
He played more than 50 games for Arsenal while on bail, it has emerged.
In a statement, his lawyer Jenny Wiltshire, of Hickman and Rose, said: 'Thomas Partey denies all the charges against him.
'He has fully cooperated with the police and CPS throughout their three-year investigation.
'He now welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name.
'Given that there are now ongoing legal proceedings, my client is unable to comment further.'
Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, whose team is leading the investigation, said: 'Our priority remains providing support to the women who have come forward.
'We would ask anyone who has been impacted by this case, or anyone who has information, to speak with our team. You can contact detectives about this investigation by emailing [email protected]'
Thomas Partey's exit from Arsenal was confirmed last month after negotiations over a new deal reprtedly came to a 'complete standstill' in mid-June. He last week, just after his 32nd birthday.
Two weeks ago won the Ghana Footballer of the Year award and his most recent Instagram post showed him training in his home country as he searches for a new club.
Partey joined Arsenal for £45million from Atletico Madrid on deadline day in October 2020.
The Ghana international has gone on to play 167 times for the Gunners and has scored nine goals.
Partey was ruled out injured for large chunks of the 2023-24 season but returned as an important figure for Mikel Arteta last campaign as they reached the Champions League semi-finals.
His stint in north London has brought no major trophies, although he did play in their 2023 Community Shield penalties victory over Manchester City.
He is now looking for a new club.
The Ghana midfielder said recently that his family will be a decisive factor in deciding his future
He said recently that his family will be a decisive factor in deciding his future in football.
'I think the first thing is where are you happy and where do you feel at home. At the end of the day you've been in football, you've been in different teams', he said.
'There are a lot of things where you have to look now with a family, where you want them to be happy. When you are young you just play anywhere.
'I'm an Arsenal fan, I can't decide anything and just have to leave it to my agent and the club. Me, I just want to enjoy football.'
Partey played in all but three of Arsenal's Premier League fixtures last season, scoring four goals and claiming two assists, as they came second for the third consecutive campaign.
