Every footballer has a story to tell so does the Ghanaian midfield enforcer, Thomas Partey.
Thomas Teye Partey is a 26-year-old midfielder who plays for one of the top clubs in Spain, Atletico Madrid.
One may ask how did the Ghanaian rose to be one of the midfielders in the world.
Thomas Teye Partey was born and raised in Odumase Krobo in the Eastern Region of Ghana. The footballer happens to be the eldest child in the family. His dad, Jacob Partey happened to be a local footballer whom he (Thomas) took inspiration from. His dad alongside playing football had a small drift which he reared and sold as his other source of income.
Sports Writer Sylvester Ntim caught up with the footballer’s dad, Jacob Partey, and had an exclusive interview with him.
SN: Is it true that Arsenal is interested in the services of your son?
JP: Yes, it’s very true, in fact, all the newspapers both locally and internationally are reporting about it. My son even told me about it recently, but it all depends on the club he is now (Atletico Madrid) that’s if they still want his services or not.
SN: Aside Arsenal are there other clubs who are still chasing for the services of your son?
JP: Yes, you as a sports journalist can even attest to that. Many clubs have shown interest, top football clubs such as Chelsea and Inter Milan are also keen on signing him.
SN: As a father would you like your son to move from Atletico Madrid to join Arsenal?
JP: Football is all about competition. Therefore, if another football club wants your services as a player and the offer is good, you need to move and show them you are worth the amount they bought you with. Looking at most football legends, they moved from one club to another and proved to the world how good they are. Player movement is very necessary.
SN: Will you be happy if your son stays at his current club (Atletico Madrid)?
JP: Yes, I will be very excited. My son is aging as days go by so I respect his decision. I can’t convince him to make a decision just to please me, but I hope and pray he makes the right one though.
SN: Will you advise your son to go for money?
JP: Of course, yes but I won’t advise him to move to China now. He might go in the future but not certainly now. The only certificate football gives you is money. As a footballer, you need to do projects, save and invest wisely so at the end of your career you have something to smile about.
SN: As a father how do you feel when you hear most of the top clubs in Europe chasing after your son’s signature?
JP: I feel great. During his days at Atletico Madrid’s academy, I knew my son will be a ‘hot cake’ because of how he plays. He combines skills, flexibility and strength whenever he touches the ball.
SN: Has your son ever told you what he wants to do after football?
JP: He always does. He is very humble and always does what is expected of him. He was a swineherd when he was a child. I used to have a drift, and he was in charge of them. Anytime they go out from the pigsty, I remember will chase after them and bring them back to the sty. He knows where he came from and for that matter, makes sure he put things in the right order before he retires. My son is very focused in life and that alone make very happy.
SN: Thank you for the interview.
JP: You are always welcome.
Source: Mybrytfmonline/Sylvester Ntim
