Father of new Arsenal signing Thomas Partey has disclosed that traveling to Europe for his son in 2012 to begin his footballing adventure was very difficult due to economic hardship.

Mr Jacob Partey says he could not watch on helplessly as his son needed funds to process his traveling documents and purchase air tickets so he had to sell some properties including his land before Partey could move to Spain in 2012.

Thomas Partey was a product of local team based in Krobo Odumase his hometown in the Eastern Region of Ghana, Odometah's youth ranks.

He signed with Atlético Madrid in 2011, and was subsequently moved to the reserves a year later. On 10 March 2013, Thomas was called up to the main squad for the match against Real Sociedad.

However, he remained unused in the eventual 0–1 home defeat.

The Ghanaian midfielder who began his career with Athletico Madrid was later sent on loan to Real Mallorca and Almeria.

He later made a return to Athletico Madrid in 2015 where he helped them win the UEFA Europa League and UEFA Super Cup in 2018.

According to his father he is delighted that finally his sweat has paid off as his son has moved to one of the biggest clubs in the world.

"It wasn't easy for partey to leave Ghana to Spain. I had to sell my land and many properties to help my son" he told Accra based Hot FM.

The London club triggered the central midfielder's contract with Athletico Madrid which had a release clause of 50 million euros.

Partey had been the priority target for Arsenal all summer but failed to negotiate with Athletico Madrid about a  fee as the rojiblancos did not want to loose their prized asset.

He has penned a long-term deal with the North London side and becomes the fourth signing after Willian, Gabriel and goalkeeper Runar Alex Runarsson.