‘We are talking more about Thomas Partey than the game’ – Villareal manager Marcelino Garcia

Thomas Partey will be under the spotlight on Tuesday night when Tottenham Hotspur face Spanish side Villarreal in the opening night of the UEFA Champions League.

The 32-year-old spent five years in North London, where he played for Tottenham’s eternal rivals Arsenal.

He will be welcomed with boos, jeers and all sorts of insults after being charged with five counts of rape with three different women.

Villarreal’s manager Marcelino Garcia believes Partey is a big boy and can mentally handle the pressure ahead.

“I’m totally convinced that he is mentally prepared, technically prepared, to play the game tomorrow [Tuesday] night. For sure, he’ll be ready.

“He’s a great player with lots of experience. He’s played in some top sides. We know he’s got a great ability and a great level”, he added.

Thomas Partey has seen it all at the top level, having played for Atletico Madrid, Arsenal, and the Black Stars of Ghana at the highest level. Marcelino expects the Ghanaian to prove that he has the mental toughness on Tuesday.

“We’re playing a game of football tomorrow, where the important thing is football. This is where football was invented, after all,” Marcelino said when he was bombarded with questions about Partey.

“He’s with the group. He’s available and then, if nothing happens to the player in terms of fitness, he will be with all of us tomorrow. We’re talking more about Thomas than the game”, he concluded.

Partey joined the Spanish side in the just-ended transfer window after failing to agree a deal with Arsenal.

His signing was met with displeasure from Villarreal fans because of his case in a law court in London.

The club, however, showed great support to the Ghanaian after announcing his deal.

“The club respects the fundamental principle of the presumption of innocence and will await the outcome of the judicial process, which will be responsible for clarifying the facts of the case. Due to the law in England in relation to the ongoing proceedings, the club is unable to comment further”, Villareal wrote when some of the supporters of the club opposed Partey’s signing.

Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday night will host Villarreal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and fireworks are expected.