Arsenal’s new signing, Thomas Partey has explained why he does not have his surname on the back of his jersey.
Arsenal snapped up the Ghanaian midfield dynamo as they triggered his release clause just before the transfer window was shut.
The #NoThomasNoPartey had to be delayed for a while due to the international break as the 27-year-old travelled to Turkey to play for the Black Stars of Ghana in two friendly games.
The wait for fans of Arsenal was over on Tuesday, October 2020 when the player arrived at the club, so they could officially unveil him.
The Gunners first-served fans with a teaser from the official photoshoot as Partey walked to the white background, picked up his jersey with kit number 18, and then smiled for the cameras.
Speaking in his first interview with the club’s website, Partey revealed why ‘Thomas’ will be on the back of his shirt and not ‘Partey.’
“I’ve seen that there are Parteys everywhere and even the photographer asked me why I don’t use Partey on my shirt. I said it’s because I started with Thomas and people are familiar with Thomas, so I need to go with Thomas.”
However, when he features for the Black Stars of Ghana, he has the name ‘Partey’ behind his jersey.
Thomas Partey is in contention to start for Arsenal when they face Manchester City on Saturday, October 17, 2020.