French International Benjamin Mendy Joins Lorient Following Acquittal
Former Manchester City and France defender Benjamin Mendy has officially signed with French club Lorient, putting an end to speculation surrounding his future. Mendy’s acquisition by Lorient comes just days after he was acquitted of sex offences in England, marking a significant turning point in his tumultuous legal battle.
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Lorient, a Ligue 1 club, expressed their delight in announcing the signing of Mendy on a two-year contract. In a statement released by the club, they stated, “Lorient are happy to announce today the signing on a two-year deal of the French international left-back Benjamin Mendy.”
The 29-year-old player faced a grueling three-year court process, which finally culminated in his acquittal last week. The charges against Mendy included six counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. However, he was previously cleared of these charges in January after a six-month trial. The jury in that trial was unable to reach a verdict on two other counts, leading to the retrial that ultimately concluded last week.
Mendy, who vehemently denied all charges brought against him, would have faced a substantial prison sentence if convicted. Nonetheless, with the legal burden lifted, he now embarks on a fresh chapter in his footballing career with Lorient.
Following the expiration of his contract with Manchester City in June, Mendy became a free agent, attracting attention from several clubs. Lorient has secured his services and wasted no time in getting him settled. Mendy will commence training with the team starting from today after undergoing a medical evaluation.
This move to Lorient signifies Mendy’s return to regular football action, as it has been nearly two years since he last played for Manchester City. In his time with the English and European champions, he made 75 appearances. Unfortunately, injuries and a dip in form limited his playing time during his tenure.
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Mendy’s international career also experienced a pause, with his last of 10 caps for France earned in November 2019. Notably, Mendy played a crucial role in France’s victory in the 2018 World Cup held in Russia. However, due to the trials he faced, he missed out on Manchester City’s triumphant campaign last season, where they secured the English Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League titles.
As Benjamin Mendy embarks on a new chapter in his football journey with Lorient, both he and the club will be hoping for a fruitful partnership that allows the talented left-back to showcase his abilities once again.
