The Ghanaian midfielder is aware of the threat the Gunners possess ahead of the return leg but believes the Spanish giants will make it to the final
By: Evans Gyamera-Antwi
Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Teye Partey says they are determined to eliminate Premier League giants Arsenal and make it to the Uefa Europa League final on Thursday.
Los Rojiblancos picked a vital 1-1 away scoreline in the first leg at Emirates Stadium despite having one man down very early in the game and have an opportunity to make Arsene Wenger’s last season in charge of the visitors something he will always want to forget at Wanda Metropolitano.
“The tie is not over but of course not to sound arrogant we know what we have to do to get to the final,” Partey told The Independent.
“They have their mission to sign off [Arsene] Wenger very well but we also have to continue to ensure that every season we are among the best in Europe and that is where our fire comes from.
“Things can change so fast in football so we don’t have to lower our guard we know we have world class players but Arsenal has also world class players so it will all come down to the determined team so we will be ready for them for another battle,” he added.
Partey, however, is not being carried away with reports linking him to several Premier League clubs and insists he is currently happy and focused in Spain.
“I don’t really read too much into what the media say regarding me moving, I leave that all to my management but of course everybody knows the English game is one of the best in the World,” he ssaid.
“I have played in their stadiums twice already this season at Stamford Bridge and at the Emirates and I know how the atmosphere is but at the minute I am so happy in Madrid.
“I get to train under Simeone and he trusts me so I can not ask more at the minute and I am enjoying my football in every game,” he added.
The winner of the game between Atletico and Arsenal will square it of with the winner from Olympique Marseille and Salzburg’s tie in the final.
