LONDON (AP) -- Former Arsenal soccer player Thomas Partey arrived at Westminster Magistrates' Court, London, Tuesday where he is to appear after being charged with five counts of rape.

The midfielder has also been charged with one count of sexual assault, with the alleged offenses taking place from 2021-22.

His lawyer Jenny Wiltshire previously said he "denies all the charges against him" and that he welcomed "the opportunity to finally clear his name".

Partey arrived at court wearing a dark zip up sweater and carrying a suit jacket.

Police said the investigation into Partey, now a free agent after his Arsenal contract expired at the end of last season, was opened in February 2022 when it first received a report of rape.

The five rape charges relate to two different women. The sexual assault charge relates to a third woman.

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