Thomas Partey has been in Spain, playing for Atletico Madrid since 2013, and he believes that African players are not valued in Europe.

“If we are compared with European players, it looks like they are more considered than a player from Africa,” said 25-year-old Ghana international in an interview with Spain’s EFE.”

“We had very good players, like Yaya Toure, Michael Essien, we consider them as good players, but not at the level to win a Ballon d’Or because they come from Africa, but they are ‘top’ players from Africa.

Thomas Partey clarifies comments about being ‘unhappy’ at Atletico Madrid

“We consider them as ‘top’ players but not at the level of the likes of Modric, Messi or Ronaldo, but there were many very good African players.

“Eto’o and Drogba scored a lot of goals and could have won the Ballon d’Or, but they did not succeed, ” Partey regretted.