Ghanaian Politician and Devoted Gooner Accuses Club of ‘Disrespect’ as Thomas Partey Nears Emirates Departure

Ghanaian politician and staunch Arsenal supporter, Gabby Otchere-Darko, has hit out at the North London club over their handling of midfielder Thomas Partey’s situation, labelling it as a clear act of disrespect.

His emotional reaction comes in the wake of mounting reports that Partey, who joined Arsenal from Atlético Madrid in 2020, will be leaving the club by the end of June after contract talks collapsed. Despite months of negotiations, both parties failed to reach an agreement — prompting Arsenal to turn their attention toward Brentford captain Christian Nørgaard as a potential replacement.

Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Otchere-Darko suggested that Partey’s departure isn’t financially motivated, but rather a result of the club’s disregard for his contributions.

> “The Thomas Partey I know has not left Arsenal because of more money. It is more because of disrespect,” he wrote. “The club knew when his contract was expiring but was more focused on finding a replacement than convincing him to stay. His preference would have been to remain in London with his young and growing family. The stats speak for him. Arsenal didn’t.”

Otchere-Darko concluded his post with heartfelt praise:

> “I love Arsenal, but Thomas deserved better. He will be dearly missed.”

Partey’s Arsenal career has been a mix of highs and injury setbacks, but his quality, especially when fit, has rarely been in doubt. His exit would mark the end of a significant chapter — and for fans like Otchere-Darko, it’s one that deserved a more respectful conclusion.