Feature: Thomas Partey raises spirits in Ghana

It's been a remarkable rise for Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey over the last year, but the 23-year-old Ghanaian has never forgotten his roots and returned there to help the local community.

While he only shot to fame this season, playing cameo roles in some games including May's Champions League final defeat to neighbours Real Madrid, Partey arrived at Atleti's youth system in 2011 before loan spells at Real Mallorca and Almeria.

Family and his home remain a huge part of his life, and after making his full debut for Ghana earlier this year, Partey returned to play in a couple of friendly games during his holidays, alongside Clifford Aboagye of Granada and Leicester City's Daniel Amartey.

In addition, he often sends money home to help his community develop and enjoy a better life.

These games saw fans, police officers and firefighters also given the opportunity to play as the spirits of the locals were lifted.