Thomas Partey

“I was playing in a second division team in Ghana. I was not registered, I just played and got my winning bonus. So when I got the chance to travel to Spain I didn't want to tell anybody, not even my parents, as maybe they'd be asked where I'd gone and they'd tell. I only spoke with my agent, who did everything for me. Then I traveled to Spain.”

“I have been watching the Premier League since I was in Ghana, and I think most of my Ghanaian friends and most of the people in Ghana watch the Premier League.”

“I want to be here because more people said 'your quality is best for the Premier League' so I want to see why and this is what pushed me to come here.”

“As we all know in football you never know when you are going to have a bad game and it's part of it.”

“With hard work and support from the team, I have improved my game.”

“For us as players it is important that the team-mates help each other.”

“The most important is to have the talent. But then there is already a European in your position. You have to work harder than them, double or triple as hard. That's the only way for African players to be successful in Europe.”

“Obviously, at club level, you train with the same players every day and this is Europe so the facilities and pitches are better. But for me, it's always the same - I like playing and everything I have earned is through this sport - so whether at club level or international level, once I am on the pitch I get in to give off my best.”

“I want to make everyone feel happy.”

“I want to attack like Yaya Toure and defend like Michael Essien so to have both qualities is good.”

“As a player, everyone is willing to win something for their nation.”

“I try to do all of the work I'm asked to do and make sure I do exactly what the coach says.”

“We have to keep raising each other keep, fighting for each other and that's how we are going to have a good game and win matches.”

“Playing in the midfield, you have to be mentally quick and be intelligent in how you position yourself and get the ball.”

“For me, winning is the most important.”

“The thing about Simeone a lot of people don't know is that his instincts are always right.”

“Thomas is my Christian name and my parents are Christians. They pray every day and when you are born into a home like that, you get used to the culture.”

“Coming to Arsenal makes me think everything is possible and I know by working hard and giving my best in every game, I can live up to their high expectations.”

“I have to keep working and at the end I will get the results.”

“I think if I am a god to myself, it is important that I choose all my own decisions and make everything work for me on my way.”