Arsenal’s Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey has changed his name to Yakubu after converting to Islam following his recent marriage to Moroccan Sara Bella, Daily Mail reports.
However, despite the name change, the former Atletico Madrid midfielder will still be referred to Partey when playing for Arsenal.
Also, the 28-year-old will keep Thomas as the name on the back of his shirt when in action.
Brought up as a Christian in east Ghana, Partey told media his country in March that he had become a Muslim due to Bella.
In mid-March a picture of him in London with a Sheikh circulated on social media as the pair held the Quran – the scripture of Islam.
And devoting himself further to Islam, Partey has now taken on the name Yakubu after tying the knot to Bella.
Partey featured just 26 times for Arsenal in all competitions last season as injury and suspension curtailed any further part.
A hamstring injury during a 3-0 defeat at Crystal Palace on April 4 saw his campaign end short as the Gunners missed out on finishing in the top four to bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
In March Partey helped Ghana qualify for this year’s FIFA World Cup after edging bitter rivals the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
After a goalless affair in the first leg, Partey gave Ghana the lead in the first half in the reverse fixture in Abuja with a powerful low shot.
