Benjamin Mendy returns to football.
Former Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy has signed for French club Lorient, just five days after he was found not guilty of raping one woman and attempting to rape another.
The 29-year-old left-back had been on trial at Chester Crown Court for two counts of rape and one count of attempted rape, relating to two separate incidents at his £4m mansion in Cheshire in 2018 and 2020.
He was cleared of all charges by the jury, following a retrial that lasted three weeks.
Source: (Twitter)
Mendy’s legal ordeal
Mendy, who joined Manchester City from Monaco in 2017 for £52m, was first arrested in August 2021 and charged with four counts of rape and one count of sexual assault against three women over the age of 16.
He was suspended by the club pending the outcome of the legal process and remanded in custody.
He pleaded not guilty to all charges and went on trial in January 2023.
In that trial, he was acquitted of six counts of rape and one count of sexual assault against four young women or teenagers, but the jury failed to reach verdicts on two counts of rape and attempted rape, involving two other women. A retrial was ordered and took place in July 2023.
Benjamin Mendy makes his return to football by signing as new Ligue1 side Lorient player, done deal 🚨🟠
Mendy signs until June 2025 as new Lorient left back after he was found not guilty by Chester Crown Court. pic.twitter.com/9bkWiiQ4iZ
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 19, 2023
In the retrial, Mendy faced one count of raping a 24-year-old woman, who claimed he took her phone from her at his house after a night out in Alderley Edge in October 2020, then forced her to undress and have sex with him.
He also faced one count of attempting to rape a 29-year-old woman, who alleged he entered her room uninvited while she was showering at his house in October 2018, then grabbed her and tried to have sex with her on the bed.
Mendy denied both allegations and said he had consensual sexual contact with the first woman and only hugged the second woman.
He said he was a “friendly” person who liked to party and flirt, but never forced himself on anyone. He also said he was used to being told “no” by women and respected their wishes.
Mendy’s football comeback
Mendy’s contract with Manchester City expired on 1 July 2023 and he was released by the club.
He had not played for them since May 2021, when he made his last appearance in a Premier League match against Brighton.
He had made 75 appearances for the club in total, scoring two goals and winning three league titles, four League Cups and one FA Cup.
Mendy did not waste any time in finding a new club after his acquittal.
He signed for Lorient, a Ligue 1 side based in Brittany, on 19 July 2023.
The club announced his arrival on their official website and social media accounts, saying: “We are delighted to welcome Benjamin Mendy to our club.
He is a player with great experience and quality, who will bring a lot to our team.”
Mendy expressed his gratitude to Lorient for giving him a chance to resume his career.
He said: “I am very happy to join Lorient.
I want to thank the president, the coach and the staff for their trust and support. Very eager to start training with my new teammates and to play in front of the fans.
I have been through a very difficult time in my life, but I never gave up on my dream of playing football again. I am ready to give my best for this club and this city.”
Mendy is expected to make his debut for Lorient in their opening match of the new season against Nantes on 6 August 2023.
