Al -Shabab has granted Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey a compassionate leave to visit his family in Ghana following the death of his father, Jacob Partey.

The death of Partey’s father was announced on September 30. According to reports, Mr Partey died after a short illness; consequently, the Saudi Pro League club Al Shabab allowed him a special break to mourn with his family.

Al Shabab expressed its condolences to the Ghanaian international and his family, wishing them strength and patience during the difficult period.

Partey joined the Riyadh-based club on 12 August as the latest stage of a distinguished career in European football.

The 33-year-old began his senior career in Spain, where he played for Atlético Madrid and Villarreal, before moving to England to join Arsenal.

He spent last season with Villarreal, making 32 appearances in all competitions without scoring or providing an assist.

Al Shabab signed Partey to add experience, physical strength and technical quality to their midfield as they look to compete in the Saudi Pro League this season.

Partey’s legal woes continue

The Ghanaian international's legal woes began just four days after he departed from Arsenal. He is currently facing six serious criminal charges in the UK. The charges were formally presented at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on August 5. These charges have been levelled against him by three different women.

In one of the charges, Complainant 1 claims that, between April and May 2021, Partey penetrated her anally during what began as consensual vaginal intercourse, without her consent. She further claims that between April and June 2021, Partey engaged her in anal sex on at least four separate occasions without her consent.

Complainant 2 also alleges that in December 2021, after she refused to engage in sexual activity, Partey raped her vaginally. She also claims that in February 2022, he penetrated her anally after she explicitly declined anal sex. A third allegation from Complainant 2 states that during a trip to Marbella, Spain, in June 2022, Partey raped her vaginally.

Complainant 3 also claims that in February 2022, Partey lay on top of her, attempted to kiss her, and touched her over her clothes without her consent.

However, the player has denied all the allegations levelled against him. His lawyer has denied the charges of rape and sexual assault against her client.