Benjamin Mendy signs for new club just days after being cleared of rape charges
Benjamin Mendy has signed for Ligue 1 outfit FC Lorient less than a week after he was cleared of rape and attempted rape.
The former Manchester City defender will ply his trade in France's top flight, with Lorient confirming the transfer via a statement on their website. It read: "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 colours 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!"
Mendy wept when he heard the words “not guilty” at Chester Crown Court last Friday, marking the end of an almost three-year-long process.
He had faced multiple charges of rape, attempted rape and sexual assault. In January this year, he was cleared of six counts of rape and one of sexual assault at the end of a five-month trial.
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The jury could not reach verdict on two claims relating to two women, leading to a retrial. Friday’s verdict, reached by a jury of six men and six women, meant Mendy has been found not guilty of all claims made against him.
Benjamin Mendy is officially a FC Lorient player (AFP via Getty Images)Mendy's lawyer Jenny Wiltshire, who is the head of serious and general crime at Hickman & Rose, gave a statement after the verdict was reached. She said: "Benjamin Mendy would like to thank the members of the jury for focusing 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 joined Manchester City for £52million in 2017, inking a £100k-a-week deal when arriving from Monaco. But he was released at the end of June when his contract ended. He last played for City in August 2021.
His switch to Lorient on a two-year deal marks a return to France, where the left-back has previously represented Le Havre, Marseille and as mentioned, Monaco over the course of his career. He played a starring role in the Monaco side that stunned French football by winning Ligue 1 in 2017, as well as reaching the Champions League semi-final.
Lorient secure his signature without having to pay a transfer fee, given Mendy's release by City.
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