- After being cleared of numerous sex offenses, Benjamin Mendy will try to restart his career in France.
- The former Manchester City defender, who was released after his contract expired, has agreed to a two-year deal with Ligue 1 club Lorient.
- The 28-year-old was facing a retrial on two different counts after being cleared of six rapes and one sexual assault involving four women during a previous trial that lasted four months.
- When Mendy was exonerated of all charges last week, he sobbed in the courtroom. The left back’s career in English football was “gone,” according to his lawyer Eleanor Laws KC, and he has now inked a deal with mid-table Lorient.
- The World Cup-winning France international played 75 times for City over six seasons. As the findings were made public last week, a wide range of pros, including Memphis Depay and Vinicius Junior, expressed their support for him online.
A news release by his new club FC Lorient stated that:
FC Lorient is pleased to announce today the signing for two seasons of French international left-back Benjamin Mendy (29).
After having satisfied the traditional medical examination, Benjamin Mendy, world champion 2018, quadruple winner of the Premier League under the colors of Manchester City and French champion of Ligue 1 with Monaco in particular, comes to reinforce the Lorient workforce for this new season.
The native of Longjumeau, who will wear number 5 with the Merlus, will take his first steps at Espace FCL today.
Welcome Benjamin!
