Benjamin Mendy signs deal at new club just days after footballer cleared of rape
Benjamin Mendy has joined Lorient after charges were dropped
PA
Benjamin Mendy has joined Lorient in France as he looks to resume his career in football.
The defender was cleared of raping a woman and attempting to rape another last week, with the 28-year-old free to play again having last featured for Manchester City.
A statement on the Lorient website read: "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.
Benjamin Mendy cried as he was cleared of rape at a recent trial
PA
"The native of Longjumeau, who will wear number 5 with the Merlus, will take his first steps at Espace FCL today.
"Welcome Benjamin!"
Mendy was previously cleared of six rapes at an earlier trial in January.
Last week, he broke down in tears as not guilty verdicts were read out by the jury foreman following a three-week trial at the Crown Court in Chester.
Judge Steven Everett said: "Mr Mendy can be discharged from the dock."
Jenny Wiltshire, head of serious and ceneral 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 three 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."
Mendy's contract at Manchester City expired this month, with the defender leaving on a free.
He moved to City back in the summer transfer window of 2017, having previously impressed for Monaco.
Mendy made 75 appearances for City, with injuries often hampering him during his spell at the Etihad Stadium.
However, he still won silverware aplenty while playing under Pep Guardiola.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Benjamin Mendy won three Premier League titles at Manchester City
PA
Mendy claimed three Premier League titles, as well as two EFL Cups - with those trophies won in 2020 and 2021. He was also part of the side that won the Community Shield in 2018, too.
Mendy received plenty of support after charges were dropped against him, with Atletico Madrid star Memphis Depay particularly vocal.
Taking to Twitter, Depay posted: "Benjamin Mendy All cases dismissed. So what are we doing now?
"Who is going to help this brother heal? Who’s going to be Responsable [sic] for the damage on he’s [sic] name?
"How he’s going to have he’s [sic] career back? Many years of investment to become a professional football player…. Now what!?
"I’ve never touched on this subject because I didn’t know all the details, but I’ve spoken to him once true [sic] FaceTime while behind bars and faced him on the pitch a couple times.. I didn’t see any evil in the man. We can’t accept this to happen to us as athletes.. Who’s going to stand up for us in the time of need not when the damage is already done? Don’t turn your head people."
You may like
