Atletico Madrid suffered deadline day disappointment as Arsenal stumped up the cash to sign Thomas Partey.
The Spanish side were powerless to prevent Partey heading to the Premier League after the Gunners triggered his release clause with LaLiga.
It was claimed that manager Diego Simeone was left ‘very angry’ that Arsenal ruined his midfield plans by signing Partey after he was convinced he would stay.
With the arrival of Lucas Torreira on loan from Arsenal, Simeone was ready to pair the two together only to lose his star man at the final hour.
He has now addressed Partey’s departure for the last time - and he heaped praise on the Ghanaian in his parting message.
Speaking ahead of their first game without Partey this weekend, Simeone branded him an “extraordinary player”.
“In these situations of the clauses we cannot give many opinions,” said Simeone.
“They are decisions that are made based on that possibility that exists.
“As for Thomas, everything that happens to the guys who have given me a lot makes me happy.
“I remember the games we saw him with the B team and when he started to come through.
“He went to Almeria, it was difficult for him to find a stable place but he is an extraordinary player.
“He will do well and we wish him the best. We love him very much.”
Partey could be in line for his Arsenal debut against Manchester City this weekend.
Speaking about his new signing, manager Mikel Arteta said: "There is a buzz around the place, the fans are really happy. I've seen some positive reactions after we brought him.
“It's the same with the team, same with the staff, he's a player we have rated for a long time and we have managed to bring him I think he's going to be a really important addition to the team.”
Asked if he will play against City, he added: "Let's see.
”He needs to do a training session today first. We'll see how he goes in the next 48 hours and then we'll make a decision as to whether he plays or not."
