Mendy on Friday, July 14, was cleared of all rape charges by a jury at the Chester Crown Court, United Kingdom
By Kehinde Okeowo
Former Manchester City defender, Benjamin Mendy, has made an early return to football after he was discharged and acquitted of rape charges levelled against him in the United Kingdom.
This was made known on Wednesday by Italian journalist and market transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano via his verified Twitter handle, where he claimed the Frenchman has joined French Ligue 1 club, FC Lorient.
Mendy on Friday, July 14, was cleared of all rape charges by a jury at the Chester Crown Court, United Kingdom.
The embattled footballer, whose contract with Manchester City expired last month, was cleared at the earlier trial of six counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, relating to four young women.
But jurors failed to reach verdicts on two counts of rape and attempted rape, prompting a re-trial.
However, Mendy was found not guilty of the charges, as the jury ruled that all the acts the ex-Monaco man was accused of were consensual.
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Speaking on the latest development on the career of Mendy on his social media page, Romano, said the defender signed for Lorient as a new left back until June 2025.
He tweeted: “Benjamin Mendy makes his return to football by signing as new Ligue1 side Lorient player, done deal.
“Mendy signs until June 2025 as new Lorient left back after he was found not guilty by Chester Crown Court.”
Mendy played his last game for the English Premier champions, Manchester City on August 2021 following his rape case.
However, he became a free agent following his acquittal by the UK court and the expiration of his contract with the Citizens at the end of June.