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 the French top flight, with Lorient confirming the transfer via a statement on their website. The update 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.”
Mendy joined Manchester City for £ 52 million 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 marks a return to France, where all of his experience before his spell at City came. The left-back has represented Le Havre, Marseille and as mentioned, Monaco over the course of his illustrious career. He played a starring role in the Monaco side that stunned French football by winning Ligue 1 in 2017.
Lorient secured his signature without having to pay a penny in transfer fees, given Mendy has been out of contract since his deal with City expired at the end of last month.
The Premier League champions are believed to have stopped paying the Frenchman in September 2021, when he was charged.
City boss Pep Guardiola dubbed Mendy a “really good boy” while acting as a character witness at the France international’s first trial.
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.
The jury could not reach a verdict on two claims relating to two women, leading to a retrial. Friday’s verdict meant Mendy has been found not guilty of all claims made against him.
