Thomas Partey: “I Left Ghana Without Telling My Mother”

Ghanaian football star Thomas Partey has disclosed that his mother was unaware he had left Ghana for Europe when he embarked on the journey that would eventually launch his professional football career.

Speaking in an interview with Kafui Dey, Partey revealed that only his father knew about his departure.

Asked who knew he was travelling, the midfielder replied:

“Only my father.”

When Kafui Dey followed up by asking whether his mother knew, Partey responded:

“No.”

He explained that the decision was intentional because his earlier move from Somanya to Ashaiman had been emotionally difficult for his mother.

“It was intentional because the move from Somanya to Ashaiman really affected her.”

According to Partey, his mother struggled with the reality of her son leaving home at a young age to pursue football.

“She didn’t want me to go because, you know, my son…”

The footballer noted that parents naturally miss their children when they are away and that his family wanted to avoid unnecessary attention surrounding the move.

“Your parents will always miss you when you are not there.”

Partey further suggested that keeping news of his departure within a small circle was necessary to avoid complications before the move was completed.

Despite the emotional challenges, the midfielder remained focused on football, explaining that whenever problems arose around him, his escape was always the game he loved.

“When there is a problem at home, I go outside to play football. I don’t remember anything. All I want to do is go play.”

The revelation offers a rare glimpse into the personal sacrifices behind Partey’s rise from a young footballer in Ghana to one of the country’s most recognizable sporting figures, showing how even his closest family members were shielded from the details of a life-changing journey until it became a reality.