Thomas Partey may have signed for Arsenal last week, but he maintains his biggest footballing hero and the greatest player ever is a former Chelsea star.
The Ghana midfielder moved to the Emirates Stadium from Atletico Madrid after the Gunners activated his £45million release clause on Deadline Day.
And during a Q&A with his new club, Partey named compatriot Michael Essien – who made 256 appearances for London rivals Chelsea – as his hero.
Explaining his decision, Partey said: “He is one of the best players Ghana has ever had.”
But the 27-year-old did not stop there in his praise of Essien, going on to name the Premier League and Champions League winner as the best player of all time.
Asked to name his pick for the greatest footballer ever, Partey responded: “I would say Michael Essien, because he is my hero and he is my idol.”
©Mirror
