Arsenal new boy Thomas Partey has offered a reason why his first name, and not his surname, will appear on his Gunners shirt.
Arsenal left it until the final day of the international window to sign the impressive Atletico Madrid star in a £45million deal.
Partey established himself as a key man under Diego Simeone at Atletico, who did not want the midfielder to leave.
The 27-year-old had also been linked with Chelsea and Juventus, but it was Mikel Arteta who landed his top target.
Since his signing, the Ghana international’s father has spoken about how he wished his son had moved elsewhere.
However, Partey senior’s woe is in stark contrast to the mood at Arsenal. In fact, one crazy Gunners star has suggested they may even mount a title challenge with Partey in the side.
Partey used his first interview as an Arsenal player to outline his big ambitions for the club.
The name ‘Thomas’ will adjourn the Ghanaian star’s shirt at Arsenal – just as it did at Atletico.
Explaining why he has opted for that, rather than his family name, Partey, which – truth be told – is a headline writer’s dream.
Partey explained: “I’ve seen that there are Parteys everywhere. 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.
“I’ve seen that everyone has been excited and everyone is willing to win something and all the trophies that come their way. I think that’s the goal and objective for everyone here and that’s my goal also.
“It’s something that is difficult and we all know that it’s difficult, but we’re working towards it and I think we are ready. We have to go all out and try to achieve all of that ourselves.”
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Partey dismisses move was about money
Bitter claims on Tuesday suggested Partey only joined Arsenal for the pay packet.
But in response to those claims, the midfielder insists he fancied a fresh challenge.
“I’ve seen that everyone has been excited and everyone is willing to win something and all the trophies that come their way. I think that’s the goal and objective for everyone here and that’s my goal also.
“It’s something that is difficult and we all know that it’s difficult. But we’re working towards it and I think we are ready. We have to go all out and try to achieve all of that ourselves.
“I think it was a new challenge for me. I’ve always wanted to play in the top leagues and the Premier League is one of the top leagues. I’m happy to be here.
“This is a great challenge. I want to experience new challenges and also in a great family like Arsenal.
“I am ready to give it my all and try to help this great club come back to where they belong.”
READ MORE: Tottenham old boy tips Thomas Partey to replicate success of Arsenal legend
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