Thomas Partey expressed pure joy at stepping back onto familiar ground despite Villarreal’s 2–0 loss to Atletico Madrid in La Liga.

The Ghanaian midfielder, who enjoyed a seven-year spell at Atletico from 2013 to 2020, spoke warmly after Friday night’s match at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium, affectionately known as the Wanda Metropolitano.

> “I feel good. I’m happy to be playing, and I’m happy with the team, with the coaches and everything. I’m happy to be back here playing again in Wanda. It’s been a long time, and I’m happy,” Partey said, reflecting on his reunion with the club where he made 188 appearances under Diego Simeone.

Atletico recorded their first La Liga win of the season, moving up to ninth place. Pablo Barrios opened the scoring in the 9th minute, capitalizing on a defensive lapse, before Nico Gonzalez sealed the victory with a powerful header in the 52nd minute—his first goal for the club.

Villarreal were not without chances. Alberto Moleiro came close on multiple occasions, while Nicolas Pepe rattled the crossbar with a stunning free kick, but Diego Simeone’s men held firm.

Partey’s return to the Metropolitano stirred speculation of a future comeback to Atletico. Reports suggest the 32-year-old, who left for Arsenal in 2020 for £45 million and recently joined Villarreal, could be tempted to rejoin his former club when his current contract expires in June 2025.