Thomas Partey says he is happy at Arsenal after making his long-awaited return to the starting line-up in last night’s win over Luton Town.
The Ghana international was included in Mikel Arteta’s XI for the first time since August and performed well as the Gunners moved back to the top of the Premier League – for 24 hours at least – with a routine win over the struggling Hatters.
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Partey has fallen down the pecking order at the Emirates this season, largely due to persistent injury problems but also the form of Declan Rice and Jorginho.
The 30-year-old has 15 months left on his contract and has been linked previously with a move to Juventus as well as the Saudi Pro League.
But he says he is content in North London and hoping to play a major role in the season run-in.
He told the Evening Standard: “My head is always here. This is where I choose to play, I’m really happy every time I’m on the field.
“I know a lot of speculations have been going on, but for me, I’m really happy to be here and to continue playing for this club.”
Partey is now fully fit but knows he will have to play well if he is to hold down a regular place in the Gunners midfield.
“I feel really good,” he added. “It’s been a while. I’ve been trying to work a lot on my fitness and I’ve been through a lot of work. I’ve done all I can and I’m really happy to be back and I feel really good.
“I think everybody is working hard, we have a lot of great players. Jorginho’s there, Dec [Rice] is there and I think Mo [Elneny] as well and we have a lot of players in that position.
“I think it’s good to have everybody ready this time of the season and from the beginning when I tried everything I can to be available.
“At the moment I feel good, today I feel very good on the field and I think I’ve improved a lot on my fitness, and I’m trying my best to keep on going at this level and keep giving my best.”
