Thomas Partey, a Black Stars player, changed his name to Yakubu after converting to Islam and marrying Moroccan Sara Bella.
Despite the name change, the midfielder will continue to be known as Partey when representing Arsenal.
In addition, when in action, the 28-year-old will wear Thomas on the back of his shirt.
‘I have a female I love, and I know my side women are going to leave me, but that’s no issue,’ he quipped in an Instagram video shared by Ghanaian journalist Nana Aba Anamoah, as reported by Pulse.
‘I grew up among Muslims, so it’s the same thing at the end of the day.’ My Muslim name is Yakubu, and I’m already married.’
Partey, who was raised as a Christian in east Ghana, announced in March that he had converted to Islam as a result of Bella.
In mid-March, a photo of him in London with a Sheikh, holding the Quran – Islam’s holy book – went viral on social media.
After marrying Bella and devoting himself even more to Islam, Partey has changed his name to Yakubu.
Last season, Partey only appeared 26 times for Arsenal in all competitions due to injury and suspension.
His season was cut short when he suffered a hamstring injury in a 3-0 loss at Crystal Palace on April 4, and the Gunners missed out on finishing in the top four to bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
