Benjamin Mendy Signs for Lorient After Court Acquittal
Benjamin Mendy has made a shock return to football, signing a two-year deal with Ligue 1 side Lorient. This transfer comes just five days after the former Manchester City star was cleared of all rape charges at Chester Crown Court. The 29-year-old left-back’s contract with City ended over the summer, paving the way for his move back to France.
Legal Drama Ends: Mendy Walks Free
Mendy’s off-field battles have been headline-grabbing. In January, he was acquitted of six counts of rape and one of sexual assault. A re-trial for two more charges ended without a verdict. But last week, the full acquittal finally came, clearing the way for Mendy to resume his career.
“His life in UK football was effectively over due to the case,” said his legal team. Now, Mendy is back in the game.
From World Cup Glory to Stadium Sidelines
Once one of the world’s top full-backs, Mendy was key to Manchester City’s Premier League triumph and France’s 2018 World Cup win in Russia. But his career stalled after August 2021, when he was arrested and spent five months in custody before his trial began.
Despite his troubles, Mendy earned support from big names like Netherlands forward Memphis Depay and Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr, who publicly rallied behind him after the acquittal.
Lorient Gears Up with Mendy in Defence
Lorient, who finished 10th in Ligue 1 last season, are boosting their squad with Mendy’s experience. The club hailed him as a World Cup winner and four-time Premier League champion. They kick off pre-season with a friendly against Bournemouth on August 5, before facing champions Paris Saint-Germain on August 13.
Mendy’s addition is expected to strengthen Lorient’s defence, adding depth and firepower to their bid for a strong season.
