Why I Kept My Move To Europe Secret - Thomas Partey

Ghana international, Thomas Partey has opened up on why he kept his move to Europe as a secret from his friends.

The 27-year-old joined Spanish la Liga side, Atletico Madrid for trials from Ghanaian lower division side, Tema Youth FC

So to make sure nothing could jeopardise his dream move, he kept it secret from all of his friends and family, with the exception of his father.

"My dad knew about it but then I told him not to tell anyone," Partey said. "There was a saying that when everybody knows about your move, they can disturb you. That's mostly in Ghana because I was playing with my friends and you never know what someone is thinking, so we just had to keep it secret until everyone saw it.

Partey, who joined the Gunners this summer from Atletico made his debut for the club against Manchester City on Saturday.

"I wanted to play outside Ghana and I was focused on playing with the great people we saw on TV because we used to watch La Liga, the Premier League, so many leagues. All my inspirations played in that league.

"Moving to Spain taught me a lot and I've learned a lot from it, how to take decisions on my own, how to be perfect, how to try to go through hell. But then you know that after the hell, you have important things ahead that you can enjoy.

"I'll always take those challenges and I know that with all these challenges, you'll be able to make it."

Partey signed a five year deal with the club.