Thomas Partey, Arsenal’s new signing, says goodbye to Atlético de Madrid with emotion, but the club remains angry

Thomas Partey has written an emotional farewell message to Atlético de Madrid after completing a transfer deadline of £ 45 million to Arsenal.

The midfielder had been a long-term target for Mikel Arteta, but the deal went all the way and the Gunners agreed to fulfill their release clause just before the window was closed.

Partey joined Atlético de Madrid as a teenager in 2011 before breaking into the first team in the 2015-2016 season. The midfielder went on to become a key LaLiga player and a firm fan favorite during his five years at senior level.

Thomas Partey has written an emotional farewell to Atlético de Madrid after his signing for Arsenal

Partey wrote on Instagram that the club had been like family and would always be with him

Reflecting on his athletic career, Partey wrote on Instagram: ‘Dear Atlético fans, today I only have words of thanks for you. For several years, Atlético de Madrid has been my home and a part of this family will always be with me.

I want to thank the club for the trust placed in me from day one, but above all I want to thank them for this wonderful hobby that I accepted from the first moment and that has shown that it is both in good times and bad times and you never stop believing. Atlético de Madrid is not just a club, it is a family. Thank you.’

While Partey was full of gratitude for his former club, Atlético and coach Diego Simeone were furious at the time of the deal.

The midfielder joined Atlético as a teenager in 2011 and became a fan favorite.

AS reports that Arsenal had not told them they would pay the release clause and only received confirmation that the contract demands had been met 32 ​​minutes before the 11pm deadline on Monday.

According to Digital FreedomSimeone was so confident that Partey was ready to stay that he discussed midfield tactics with his own arrival deadline, Lucas Torreira, who completed a season-long loan from the Emirates.

Atlético’s statement on its official website said: ‘LaLiga informed Atlético de Madrid at 11:28 p.m. on Monday that Arsenal representatives have paid the termination clause for Thomas Partey at the sports association’s headquarters.

Therefore, the player has unilaterally terminated his contract with our club, which lasted until June 30, 2023. ‘

Atlético and coach Diego Simeone were furious at the time of the late transfer

ESPN reports that Partey has put in writing a four-year contract with an option for one more year. Arsenal had hounded the 27-year-old for much of the transfer window, but had originally been reluctant to pay the £ 45m release clause before the club made its last trade.

And Arteta expressed her joy at finally getting her man, telling the club’s website: ‘We have been watching Thomas for a while, so now we are delighted to add such a high quality player to our team. He is a dynamic and energetic midfielder.

He brings a lot of experience from a top-tier club that has competed at the highest level in La Liga and the Champions League for several years.

“We are very impressed with his attitude and his approach to the game. He is a smart footballer and we hope that he will integrate into our system and contribute to the progress we are making at the moment at the club. ”