Benjamin Mendy has signed for French Ligue 1 side Lorient after battling rape allegations since 2021.
The Former Monaco defender signs for the French side until June 2025 as new Lorient left back days after he was cleared of all rape and attempted rape charges that were levelled against him.
Mendy joined City in 2017 from Monaco for £52 million and went on to make 75 appearances for City before he was suspended in 2021 when his rape scandal broke out.
The move to the French side is coming after Mendy was found not guilty of rape following a two-week re-trial at Chester Crown Court last Friday, 14 July, 2023.
Benjamin Mendy, 29, was accused of raping one woman in October of 2020 and attempting to rape a second woman in 2018.
Recall we reported that the Frenchman was clear of both charges against him and was declared not guilty by the court.
Mendy was cleared of rape and attempted rape on July 14, 2023 after several trials took place involving several jurors.
The Frenchman was also accused of attempted rape of another woman, aged 29, who claimed that he did molest her at his home two years ago.
These Benjamin Mendy’s rape cases came after he was cleared of six rape cases at an earlier trial in January, which we duly reported.
While reading the not guilty verdict in the court, Judge Steven Everett said: “Mr Mendy can be discharged from the dock.”
Benjamin Mendy, who saw his contract with Manchester City expired on June 30, 2023, was cleared at the earlier trial of six counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, relating to four young women or teenagers.
However, jurors failed to reach verdicts on two counts of rape and attempted rape, prompting a re-trial which he has now been cleared of.
Lorient confirmed Mendy’s arrival in a club statement, saying: “FC Lorient is pleased to announce today the signing for two seasons of French international left-back Benjamin Mendy.”
“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!”
Benjamin Mendy
Benjamin Mendy is a French professional footballer who was born on 17th July, 1994 and plays as a left-back for Manchester City.
Mendy also played for the France National team from 2017 until 2019.
Mendy started his playing career in 2010 with the AC Le Havre reserve team after graduating from Le Havre’s development program. A year later, he was promoted to the first squad.
He stayed with the organization until 2013, when he switched to Marseille of Ligue 1.
Benjamin Mendy played with Les Olympiens for the following three seasons before moving on to Monaco, where he won the national championship in 2016–17.
