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Thomas Partey was grinning from ear to ear, his return to Atletico Madrid from Villarreal his team losing their opening match of the campaign.
"I feel well. I'm pleased to be playing, and I'm pleased with the team, with the coaches and everything. I'm pleased to be here playing again in Wanda, and I think it's been a long time, and I'm pleased.".
Partey made the remarks after Atletico Madrid defeated Villarreal 2-0 in La Liga on September 13, 2025, at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium, affectionately known as Wanda Metropolitano.
Atletico Madrid picked their first win in the La Liga season, moving them to position nine in the table.
Pablo Barrios scored an early goal in the 9th minute, capitalizing on Villarreal's defensive error, and Nico Gonzalez doubled the score in the 52nd minute with a powerful header, his debut for the club.
Villarreal also had quality chances, like Nicolas Pepe's ferocious free-kick hitting the crossbar and Alberto Moleiro missing by inches.
Partey spent three seasons with Atletico Madrid from 2013 until 2020, playing 188 games under Diego Simeone.
He left for Arsenal in 2020 for £45 million and has since been on a run of form, with speculation that he could return to Atletico Madrid once his Arsenal contract expires in June 2025, having reportedly been a target for the Spanish outfit.