Partey dedicates goal against Bournemouth to Atsu
Partey has not started for Arsenal since it was announced that Atsu had passed away on February 18
Ghana superstar Thomas Partey has dedicated his goal during Arsenal's thrilling 3-2 come back against Bournemouth to his former Ghana teammate Christian Atsu.
It was confirmed last month that Atsu had tragically passed away at the age of 31 following the devastating earthquakes that struck Turkey and parts of northern Syria on February 6.
During his career, the former Newcastle winger represented Ghana 64 times, and played alongside Partey for the National team on several occasions.
The Arsenal midfielder paid his respects to his former teammate at the Emirates, where Mikel Arteta's side turned around a two goal deficit to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table to five points.
At full-time, Partey took off his shirt to reveal a base-layer with the text 'Rest well Christian Atsu' imprinted on it.
Atsu, who scored ten times for his National team, was contracted to Turkish side Hatayspor and had scored for the team in their 1-0 win against Kasimpasa the day before the earthquake hit.
He had been reported missing for several days, but his agent Murat Uzunmehmet sadly confirmed later that he had passed away.
The winger spent the majority of his playing career in England, amassing a combined 80 Premier League appearances for Chelsea, Newcastle, Bournemouth and Everton, while also spending time in Portugal and Spain.
Hataysport have confirmed his funeral will take place in Ghana later this month, with Partey's family reportedly attending a memorial commemorating his life.
Partey has not started for Arsenal since it was announced that Atsu had passed away on February 18.
But he returned to score the Gunners' opening goal of the match, to bring them back into the game at 2-1.
Reiss Nelson's goal seven minutes into injury time helped the Gunners keep their cushion on title chasers Manchester City at the top of the table, but it was Partey who was largely the orchestrator of their win.
Arsenal will now stay top of the Premier League while Bournemouth remain in the relegation zone.
