Everyone is now seeing me as a bad person, Nobody even wants to hear my own side of the Story, I’m not supposed to say this but I will say it to clear the air now”, Mikel Arteta finally REVEALED what really happened between Him and Thomas Partey in the dressing room that lead to His sudden DEPARTURE

In a highly emotional and unexpected press conference this afternoon, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has publicly addressed the long-rumoured incident involving himself and former midfielder Thomas Partey — revealing, for the first time, what truly happened behind closed doors that led to the Ghanaian’s sudden departure from the club.

For months, speculation swirled among fans and the media about Partey’s abrupt absence from the squad and eventual transfer exit. Whispers of a heated fallout between player and manager filled headlines, but neither party spoke publicly about the issue — until now.

Arteta’s Emotional Confession

Speaking candidly in front of the press, Arteta opened up, visibly frustrated at the narrative that had painted him as the villain in the situation.

“Everyone is now seeing me as a bad person,” Arteta began. “Nobody even wants to hear my own side of the story. I’m not supposed to say this — but I will, just to clear the air now.”

The Arsenal boss continued:

“There was a moment in the dressing room after a game when things were tense. Emotions ran high. Thomas and I had a disagreement about tactics and decisions made during the match. It wasn’t about personal issues — it was purely football, about standards and expectations. But it escalated more than it should have.”

“He felt disrespected by some of my words in the heat of the moment, and I, as the manager, take responsibility for not handling it better. From there, trust was lost, and it became difficult to continue as it was.”

Why the Departure Was Kept Quiet

Arteta admitted that both parties agreed to keep the matter private for the good of the club and Partey’s career.

“We made a decision, together with the board, not to air dirty laundry in public. Thomas is a top professional and a good man, and sometimes things just don’t work out how we hoped.”

Fans React to the Revelation

The shocking admission has triggered a wave of reactions from the Arsenal faithful, with many now viewing the situation with fresh perspective.

One fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter):
“I respect Arteta for finally speaking out. These things happen in football. Wishing Partey the best wherever he is.”

Another added:
“So it was football-related after all… managers and players clash sometimes. At least the truth is out now.”

Thomas Partey Yet to Respond

At the time of writing, Thomas Partey has not issued a response to Arteta’s comments, though reports suggest he was made aware of the manager’s intentions to publicly address the situation.

A Lesson for the Club Moving Forward

Arteta closed the press conference by emphasizing the importance of unity and communication within the squad:

“It’s a lesson for all of us. We have to manage emotions better, stay professional, and always keep the club’s interest above all.”

As Arsenal continue to prepare for the new season with fresh signings and high ambitions, this revelation finally puts to rest one of the club’s most controversial behind-the-scenes stories in recent years.