Villarreal head coach Marcelino has claimed there is a 'world of difference' between the Thomas Partey seen at Arsenal to the one currently playing for the Spanish club. Partey had started the match in Germany, with Villarreal having already been eliminated from the competition heading into the final matchday. 'There's a world of difference between the Thomas we knew at Arsenal and this one,' Marcelino said. Partey's move to Villarreal on a one-year deal had generated controversy, with his signing confirmed after the midfielder had been granted bail while facing ongoing rape charges. Partey pleaded not guilty to five charges of rape and one charge of sexual assault at Southwark Crown Court in September.

Source: Metro January 29, 2026 23:34 UTC