Mikel Arteta has finally broken his silence, revealing what really happened between him and Thomas Partey in the dressing room that led to Partey’s unexpected departure from Arsenal.
In an emotional and surprising press conference earlier today, the Arsenal manager addressed the long-standing rumors surrounding his fallout with the Ghanaian midfielder. For months, speculation had been rife among fans and the media over Partey’s sudden absence and eventual transfer, but neither side had publicly explained what happened — until now.
Arteta Opens Up
Speaking openly, Arteta expressed frustration at being portrayed as the villain in the whole saga.
“Everyone now thinks I’m the bad person,” he said. “Nobody even wants to listen to my side. I wasn’t supposed to speak on this, but I will now, just to set things straight.”
He went on to explain that the issue arose in the dressing room after a match when tensions were high. A disagreement over tactics and decisions during the game sparked the argument — but it wasn’t personal.
“It was purely about football — expectations, standards, and how we approach the game. Unfortunately, it escalated more than it should have,” Arteta admitted.
He acknowledged that Thomas felt disrespected by his words in the heat of the moment. “As the manager, I take responsibility for not managing that situation better. From there, the trust between us broke down, and continuing together became impossible.”
Why They Kept It Private
Arteta revealed that both he and Partey, along with the club’s board, agreed to keep the situation behind closed doors to protect both the club’s image and Partey’s career.
“Thomas is a great professional and a good person. Sometimes, despite everyone’s best intentions, things don’t work out the way we hope,” he said.
Fan Reactions Flood In
The revelation has sparked a wave of responses from Arsenal supporters. Many now view the situation with more understanding.
One fan posted on X (formerly Twitter):
“Credit to Arteta for finally explaining. These things happen in football. Best of luck to Partey moving forward.”
Another commented:
“So it was just football-related. Managers and players clash sometimes. Glad the truth is finally out.”
Waiting on Partey’s Response
As of now, Thomas Partey has not responded to Arteta’s statement, though reports suggest he was informed beforehand about the manager’s decision to address the issue publicly.
Moving Forward
Arteta ended the press conference by highlighting the need for better communication and emotional control within the team:
“This is a lesson for everyone. We must manage emotions better, stay professional, and always put the club first.”
As Arsenal looks ahead to a new season filled with fresh signings and high expectations, this long-speculated chapter between Arteta and Partey finally comes to a close
