Staff Writer
Benjamin Mendy, a former defender for Manchester City, has agreed to a two-year contract with Lorient of France, five days after being absolved of major sexual offenses.
Mendy left City last month when his contract expired; he hadn’t played for the champions of the Premier League and the Champions League since 2021.
At Chester Crown Court in England on Friday, the 29-year-old was exonerated of both rape and attempted rape.
Mendy joined City in 2017 for a reported sum of UK£ 52 million (US$ 67.2 million) following one season with Monaco. He had previously advanced through Le Harve’s program and established himself throughout three seasons at Marseille.
He would later play a part in three Premier League championships for Pep Guardiola’s team.
Mendy was taken into custody and charged with four counts of rape and one count of sexual assault in August 2021.
The French full-back was suspended by City after being accused with three additional counts of rape and receiving bail the following January.
Mendy entered a not guilty plea to seven counts of rape, one count of attempted rape, and one count of sexual assault in May 2022.
He was charged with another rape count the following month, and in September, he was acquitted on one count.
In January 2023, a jury ruled Mendy not guilty of six counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, but the same jury was unable to rule on two further counts of rape and one case of attempted rape.
After a second trial, Mendy was found not guilty on one count of rape and one count of attempted rape last week, allowing the defense attorney to resume his career.
Regis Le Bris’ Lorient finished 10th in Ligue 1 the previous season, and the player will start working with his new team on Wednesday.
In a statement, the club said it was “pleased to announce today the signing of French international left-back Benjamin Mendy for two seasons.”
“Today at Espace FCL, the Longjumeau native who will don the Merlus’ number five will take his first steps. Ben is here to stay.
