INTERVIEW: Almeria's Ghanaian star Partey discusses future, disallowed goal against Barcelona & Spanish culture with GSN

By El Akyereko Frimpong

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Almeria's latest star-man Thomas Partey has just finished light training after arriving in Madrid for Sunday's La Liga clash with Rayo Vallecano. He looks around the familiar atmosphere around him in Madrid and strode off in welcoming comfort. 

Partey has been the brightest spot in a struggling UD Almeria, commanding a regular spot, scoring thrice in recent games games and grabbing himself a berth in the La Liga team of the week.

The 21-year-old who once played for Ghanaian lower-tier side Tema Youth sits down to talk to GHANAsoccernet.com's El Akyereko Frimpong on wider range of issues relating to his career.

In a single season that has seen the midfielder come to the fore and claimed plaudits from pundits following sterling performances against Real Madrid's midfield guns and Barcelona flamboyant churning machines in Xavi, Iniesta and Mascherano. Partey doesn't give off any signs that he is playing his first full season in the Spanish top-flight as he has shown enough maturity and intelligence in his game.

"Everything depends on Atleti but for me I feel better here and I would like to stay but everything will depend on what they will say."

While leaving his future in the hands of his parent club, his soaring status could also not allow him to play in a lower-tier league and Almeria's survival in the La Liga is near and dear to his heart. "Everyone at the club is extra serious because its our future and relegation is not going to help anyone."

Sergi Barjuan has recently taken charge at the club and looks like he is getting the club back on track with the survival campaign. "With this new coach, the work is going good and everyone is getting to support to ensure we beat the drop."

In the sequence of his recent flamboyant displays the lanky midfielder who calls himself a better version of the old-Derek Boateng, has in total scored three goals but had the first, a bicycle-kick against Barcelona, was disallowed before he grabbed a brace against Granada in a derby game. He though the goal did not stand he used the confidence to approach the next game, thereby scoring twice.

From Krobo Odumasi to Tema Youth to Spain, the cultural difference and adaptability has not always been easy for the midfielder but he remembers a fond memory in the early part of his five year stay in Spain. "It was when I started learning the Spanish language." He smiles briefly and continues. "Yeah we were asked by the coach to introduce ourselves and all I know is (hola no entiendo - hello I don't understand) and trust me everybody broke into laughter."

"But I love the culture, the environment, the weather and everything here. It is nice in Spain and I want to spend some more time playing an developing here."

Partey's face is twisted when thought of international football come to mind. The youngster was rejected by Ghana U20 coach Sellas Tetteh in 2013 for his FIFA U20 World Cup squad and two years later he is growing into a La Liga star. "I trained with the U20 team and the coach decided so I returned to Atleti but that doesn't mean my focus is off Ghana. I would be glad to wear the national colours."