Ghana international Thomas Partey has taken on a new name after converting to Islam.
Thomas Partey has changed his name to ‘Yakubu’ as part of his conversion to Islam.
In March, Partey announced he had converted to the Islamic religion and has now explained in an interview that he did so because of his Moroccan girlfriend, Sara Bella.
“I grew up with Muslims so, at the end of the day, it’s the same thing,” the 28-year-old told Ghanian journalist Nana Aba Anamoah.
On why he converted, Partey explained: “I have a girl I love.”
“I know my side chicks will leave me, but it’s no problem,” he added before letting out a laugh.
Arsenal jersey name to stay as ‘Thomas’
Despite the name change, Partey will continue to wear ‘Thomas’ on the back of his shirt for Arsenal and the Ghanaian national team.
That’s according to the Evening Standard, which claims the former Atletico Madrid midfielder’s name change is not a formal one.
Partey is currently working to get back to full fitness for Arsenal’s pre-season after sustaining a thigh injury in April.
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