Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has bid farewell to the Mikel Arteta’s assistant manager Carlos Cuesta, who is set to take over as Parma’s new head coach – with his own future still in question.
Cuesta has been working under Arteta since 2020, having previously coached at Atletico Madrid and Juventus, but now the 29-year-old is set for his first senior role in Italy.
He has issued an emotional message paying tribute to Arsenal for giving him the opportunity to expand on his skills and expressed his gratitude to Arteta for “trusting him after confirming his exit.
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Cuesta wrote: “After five beautiful years it’s hard to put this into words, but I can only express how grateful I am for having lived my day-to-day with such special people and feel what it means to represent this football club, with its incredible history and values.
“It has been a privilege to have had the chance to work with the players, staff, directors and all the employees of the club and at the same time, to receive an extra push from our amazing fans in every match. Enjoy the journey, because it is a very exciting one. Thank you @arsenal.”
He added about Arteta: “And then, to the person that made it happen. Thank you. That’s the only thing I can say. Thank you for your trust, for giving me the opportunity to be next to you and for showing me with constant facts which is the meaning of the word “courage”. You’ve taught me a lot, and I will carry it always with me. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.”
Partey commented on the post to wish Cuesta well, simply writing in response: “Thank you Carlitos,” with three heart emojis alongside it.
It comes with Partey’s own future up in the air as he approaches the end of his contract at Arsenal following five seasons in north London.
Thomas Partey sent a farewell message to Cuesta as his own future at Arsenal grows uncertain
Arsenal are set to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi and Partey’s future continues to grow more uncertain. Although the club revealed that they were holding discussions over a potential new contract before it expires on June 30, there has been no breakthrough over a new deal for the veteran Ghana international, who has played 167 times since joining from Atletico Madrid in 2020, scoring nine times.
With his expiration date fast approaching, there are growing suggestions that a deal may not be struck, and Partey himself could soon be heading to pastures new.
That will be a disappointment to his manager, with Arteta having made clear he’s in favour of Partey being given a new deal after playing a central role for the Gunners in the 2024-25 season – starting 31 times in the Premier League and 11 times on their run to the Champions League semi-finals.
“Yes. I think consistency-wise it’s been his best season,” Arteta said. “The way he’s played, performed, his availability, has been exceptional and he’s a really important player for us.”
