In a stunning revelation, Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey has opened up about the real reason behind his shock 2020 exit from Atlético Madrid — and it had little to do with football.

Partey, speaking in a recent interview, disclosed that he had agreed to a contract extension with improved terms to remain at the Spanish club. The only condition? That his agent receive a 10% commission — a standard practice in many contract renewals. Everyone at the board level reportedly gave the green light, but there was one final hurdle: club president Enrique Cerezo.

When Partey personally approached Cerezo to seal the deal, the president flatly refused to authorize more than a 3% commission, citing “principles.” In an effort to keep the deal alive, Partey even offered to pay the remaining 7% out of his own salary. Still, Cerezo refused.

Left with no option and just a day before the transfer deadline, Partey’s agent reached out to Arsenal. The Premier League club was under the impression that Partey had already renewed with Atleti, and even congratulated him. But when the commission saga was explained, Arsenal had no issues meeting the request.

And just like that, a collapsed renewal turned into a deadline-day transfer, with Thomas Partey signing for the Gunners — not out of ambition or a change of heart, but because of an internal clash over a commission fee.