Arsenal Star Thomas Partey Names Michael Essien as Dream Teammate in Candid Interview
Arsenal and Ghana midfield maestro Thomas Partey has revealed that former Chelsea and Black Stars legend Michael Essien is the one player he wishes he had the chance to play alongside, either at club level or for the national team.
Partey, 31, made the revelation during a quick-fire Q&A session with The Footy Culture, where he shared insights on his inspirations, regrets, and footballing dreams. The Ghana international, who has had a solid 2024/25 campaign despite injury setbacks, did not hesitate when asked about his dream teammate.
“Michael Essien,” Partey responded with a smile, paying tribute to one of Ghana’s most celebrated footballers and a dominant figure in European football during his time with Chelsea.
Tribute to a Legend
Thomas Partey’s admiration for Michael Essien runs deep. The two midfielders share not only nationality but also a similar style of play marked by physicality, tactical discipline, and defensive intelligence.
“Essien was one of the players I looked up to growing up,” Partey said. “He played with power, with heart, and gave everything for both Chelsea and Ghana. I always wished I could’ve played alongside him in the national team or even in Europe.”
Though their paths never crossed on the pitch, Partey revealed that he made an attempt to bring Essien back into the Black Stars setup before his retirement from international football in 2021.
“I spoke to him a few times to come back to the Black Stars, but it was too late then,” Partey shared. “He had made his decision. But I had to try — that’s how much respect I have for him.”
A Season of Highs and Heartbreaks
Partey has had a mixed season with Arsenal in the English Premier League and UEFA Champions League. After battling back from a mid-season injury, he played a crucial role in helping the Gunners reach the semi-finals of the Champions League for the first time in over a decade.
Unfortunately, Partey missed the first leg of the semi-final clash against Paris Saint Germain due to fitness concerns. Despite returning for the second leg in Paris, his presence wasn’t enough to stop the French giants from knocking Arsenal out of the competition.
“It was painful,” Partey admitted in a separate interview. “We worked so hard to get to the semi-finals, and not being able to give my best in both legs was difficult to accept. But we have to look forward now.”
Arsenal were eliminated 4-2 on aggregate after a 2-2 draw in Paris, following a 2-0 first-leg defeat at the Emirates. The team’s focus now shifts to finishing strong in the Premier League, where they remain locked in a tight title race with Manchester City and Liverpool.
Contract Talks Underway at Arsenal
As the 2024/25 season draws to a close, attention has also turned to Partey’s future at the club. His current contract with Arsenal expires at the end of June, but talks are ongoing for an extension.
Sources close to the club suggest that both parties are interested in continuing their relationship, with Partey seen as a valuable member of Mikel Arteta’s squad — both on and off the pitch.
“Thomas is a leader in the dressing room,” Arteta said earlier this season. “When he’s fit, he brings balance to our midfield, and his experience is something the younger players really benefit from.”
Partey himself has remained tight-lipped about the details of the contract negotiations, but his body language and statements indicate a willingness to stay at the Emirates.
“I’m happy at Arsenal. I feel at home here. We’ve built something special, and I want to be part of it,” he recently told Arsenal Media.
A Leader in the Black Stars Setup
Beyond his club commitments, Thomas Partey remains a key figure in Ghana’s national team. Despite recent injury interruptions, he continues to command a vital role in the Black Stars’ midfield and is expected to play a central role in the team’s 2025 AFCON qualification campaign.
His leadership qualities have been instrumental, especially in guiding a younger generation of players such as Mohammed Kudus, Ernest Nuamah, and Ibrahim Osman.
“We are building something new with the Black Stars,” Partey said during a recent press conference in Accra. “There is talent, hunger, and unity. It will take time, but I believe we’re on the right track.”
Ghana failed to make it past the group stage of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, a result that led to intense scrutiny and restructuring within the Ghana Football Association. Partey believes the team has learned valuable lessons from the disappointment.
“We’ve spoken a lot as a team about what went wrong,” he noted. “Now it’s about using that pain to grow stronger. I have full confidence in the squad and the technical team.”
Essien’s Enduring Legacy
Michael Essien, now 41, retired from international football in 2014 but remained active in club football until 2020. He is currently involved in coaching and has worked with FC Nordsjaelland’s youth teams in Denmark.
Essien’s legacy continues to influence Ghanaian footballers, and Partey’s recent comments are a reminder of the impact he had not just on fans, but on future generations of players.
“Essien set the standard,” Partey concluded. “He showed us what was possible — playing at the highest level, winning titles, and representing Ghana with pride. That’s the path we all want to follow.”
Looking Ahead
With the Premier League season nearing its dramatic conclusion and international fixtures on the horizon, Thomas Partey remains a player to watch — not just for his performances on the pitch, but also for the leadership and passion he brings to every shirt he wears.
Whether he signs a new deal at Arsenal or begins the next chapter of his career elsewhere, one thing is certain: Partey’s footballing journey continues to be shaped by the legends who came before him — and by the dreams he still holds dear.
