Ghanaian International Thomas Teye Partey who won the overall Ghanaian Best Player at the just concluded Ghana football awards has shared a heartfelt story on the humble and determined beginnings of his football career and how he made it to Europe, offering inspiration to young and upcoming footballers chasing similar dreams.

Partey recalled the early days of his career, describing how he left Ghana wearing nothing but a Ronaldinho jersey, a single boot, and no jacket, as he strongly pursued his ambition of becoming a professional footballer in Europe.

At the time, he was with Tema Youth in the Ghanaian league when he had been working behind closed doors on his traveling to Europe. He first landed in Leganes in 2012 before joining Atletico Madrid and played in the junior side before having loan spells at Mallorca and Almeria.

“I left Ghana in a Ronaldinho jersey and a boot, without a jacket to chase my football dream in Europe,” the Arsenal midfielder asserted.

The story highlights the utmost determination and sacrifice that paved Partey's path to success. From his modest beginnings in Odumase Krobo, a town in the Eastern Region of Ghana, to establishing himself as one of the top players in his position and earning a huge reputation as well as playing in top European clubs including Atlético Madrid and Arsenal, Partey’s journey has been a testament to perseverance and belief.

Partey was promoted to the Atletico Madrid first team in July 2015 and went on to make 188 appearances for the Spanish club in all competitions, netting 16 goals and amassing 12 assists before moving to Arsenal in 2020.

Now a key figure in the Black Stars setup and an inspiration to aspiring footballers, Partey's story continues to resonate deeply with young talents across Africa, many of whom dream of replicating his rise against the odds.

He has been trying so hard to pave a better path for upcoming footballers through his amazing Thomas Partey Foundation that organizes the Thomas Partey Tournament anually to alleviate any kind of hardship he went through to pave a better road for the next generation.