Winning the AFCON is my next target - Partey

Atletico Madrid star Thomas Teye Partey says winning the Africa Cup of Nations with Ghana is next on his agenda after lifting the Uefa Europa League title on Wednesday.

The Ghana international claimed his first career gold at Lyon's Groupama Stadium following The Red and Whites' 3-0 victory over French side Olympique Marseille.

The 24-year-old made a late substitute appearance in the game, replacing Angel Correa in the 88th minute.

“I'm happy. It was not easy from the beginning. We deserve this cup and we need to enjoy it. With the trust of my coach and my mates, I have been able to get more chances and play more matches,” Partey told Ghanaian journalist Juliet Bawuah in an exclusive video interview.

“[To Ghanaians], this is the beginnings of many cups to come. I hope we win another cup for the Black Stars because it's been a long time we won something. So I think that is my next [target] and that's what I'm going to fight for.

“It can be Afcon, it can be a lot of things that are also important. But at the moment, I think we have to fight to win the Afcon and any cup that comes our way.

“As a player, everyone is willing to win something for their nation. With the influence of our coaches and our management, I think everyone will be prepared to win something for the country."

Partey made his international debut in June 2016, coming on as a substitute in an Afcon qualifier against Swaziland.

He went on to play at the final tournament in Gabon, where Ghana reached the semi-finals.

The next continental showpiece is set for Cameroon in June next year.