Villarreal signed Partey on a free transfer following his release by Arsenal, despite pressure from supporters not to.

More than 1,000 supporters have signed a petition set up by online content hub Villarreal Report to protest Partey’s signing.

Partey made his debut on the opening weekend of the La Liga season at home to Real Oviedo on 15 August and each touch during his 15-minute cameo was met with whistling from the home crowd.

He has since made two further substitute appearances, before making his first start of the season against another former club – Atletico Madrid – at the weekend.

Villarreal head coach Marcelino said before the match at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium that he was “totally convinced” Partey was “mentally prepared and technically prepared to play”.

“We are very happy Thomas is with us for his football capacity, football ability and his presence as a human,” Marcelino said on Monday.

“He is a great player with a lot of experience. He has played for a lot of top clubs. We know he has a great level.”

When Marcelino was asked if he had spoken to Partey about the hostility he could face from Tottenham fans, the Spaniard said he was focusing on the football.

“We’re interpreting stuff about and talking about a player that could be totally innocent,” said Marcelino.

Partey played 167 times for Arsenal after joining in 2020, scoring nine goals.