Former Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy joins Ligue 1 club Lorient after rape acquittal

By India Today Sports Desk: Former Manchester City left-back Benjamin Mendy, who was recently acquitted of rape charges, has signed a two-year deal with Ligue 1 side Lorient. The 29-year-old French international was found not guilty of one count of rape and one count of attempted rape by a British court.

The accusations against Mendy involved alleged sex attacks on two women at his ã4 million mansion. However, after three hours of jury deliberation at Chester Crown Court, he was cleared of all charges and found innocent. Just five days after his acquittal, Mendy has already returned to football by joining Lorient.

Earlier, in January, Mendy was also found not guilty of six counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. He had last played for Manchester City against Tottenham Hotspur in August 2021 but was suspended by the Premier League club later that month following his arrest. City decided not to renew his contract, making him a free agent.

Mendy officially left Manchester City when his contract expired earlier this month, allowing Lorient to sign him on a free transfer. His emotional reaction to being cleared from all charges was evident when he wept in court, and his lawyers have expressed that he now aims to rebuild his life.

Lorient confirmed Mendy’s signing and stated that he had passed a medical examination. He will wear the number five shirt for the team and is expected to make his first appearance at the club’s training ground later this week.

Jenny Wiltshire, Head of Serious & General Crime at Hickman & Rose said: “Benjamin Mendy would like to thank the members of the jury for focussing on the evidence in this trial, rather than on the rumour and innuendo that have followed this case from the outset.”

“This is the second time that Mr Mendy has been tried and found not guilty by a jury. He is delighted that both juries reached the correct verdicts. It has been almost 3 years since the police started investigating this matter. Mr Mendy has tried to remain strong but the process has, inevitably had a serious impact on him. He thanks everyone who has supported him throughout this ordeal and now asks for privacy so he can begin rebuilding his life.”