Thomas Partey: I feel ‘honored’ to be named deputy Black Stars captain

Atlético Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey says he is ‘honoured’ after being named 1st deputy skipper of the Ghana national team.

The 27-year old Partey has risen to become one of the team’s key players in the last two years of his 27 appearances for the national team in which he scored 10 goals while his clout in world football continues to soar in the Spanish La Liga.

The announcement by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) last Sunday maintained Andre Ayew as the captain of the team having led the Stars to the 2019 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt.

“The Technical team of the senior national team, Black Stars, upon a broad consultation, has maintained Andre Ayew as Captain of the side.

“The Swansea City attacker, who led Ghana to the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, maintains his position as leader of the team despite changes at the technical realm of the senior national team,” the FA said in a statement.

“The trio [Ayew, Partey and Ofori] will lead the Black Stars through the remaining Africa Cup of Nation qualifiers as well as the qualifying games for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and subsequent tournaments,” it added.

However reacting to the news, Partey described the role as an appreciation which goes a long way to help Ghana football chances.

“It is a big honour to be chosen for this position in the national team. Thanks to the technical team for making me one of the leaders of our beloved national team. We will keep working hard to help this great football nation. Congrats to my colleagues Andrew Ayew and Richard  Ofori as well.  Together we stand. God bless our homeland Ghana” he indicated in an appreciation message.

In June 2008, the former Almeria player excelled in an acting role as Black Stars captain for two international matches against Japan and Iceland.

He made his international debut for Ghana as a second-half substitute in a 2-0 triumph over in an AFCON 2017.

Partey has been linked with a move to English Premier League side Arsenal in the ongoing transfer window.