Former Arsenal midfielder, Thomas Partey, has been granted bail and is now free to move to Spain, where he is expected to join football club Villarreal. This comes as he faces serious legal troubles, including five charges of rape and one of sexual assault involving three women.

The 32-year-old footballer appeared in court just days after his contract with Arsenal officially ended in June. During his appearance at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, he was formally charged and told to return to Crown Court on September 2 for the next hearing.

According to the Crown Prosecution Service, the charges include two counts of rape involving one woman, three counts involving a second woman, and a separate sexual assault charge related to a third woman. Some of the alleged incidents are said to have taken place in his home in Hertfordshire, and another one during a visit to Spain.

Partey was released on conditional bail. His bail terms prevent him from contacting any of the women involved and require him to inform police of any changes to his address or travel plans.

The court was told that Partey had been arrested back in July 2022, and since then, he had taken part in several police interviews. He only received formal charges this year, after being under investigation for nearly three years. The decision to charge him followed a detailed review of evidence.

During the court session, a protest sign was seen outside, calling out Arsenal’s alleged silence on the case. It read: “Arsenal said: ‘We do the right thing.’ Then did nothing.”

The alleged offences happened between 2021 and 2022. Police say they received the first report in early 2022.

Partey’s lawyer stated that he denies all the charges and has cooperated with police throughout the investigation. She added that he looks forward to clearing his name, but due to the legal process, he cannot speak publicly at this time.

As the legal case continues, Partey is moving forward with his football career by signing with Villarreal in Spain.