Benjamin Mendy joins Lorient on 2-year deal after being cleared of serious sexual offences

Five days after being cleared of rape and sexual assault charges, former Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy has officially signed a two-year contract with the French club Lorient.

The 29-year-old left Manchester City in the previous month as his contract expired and had not played for the Premier League and Champions League-winning team since 2021.

Mendy faced serious charges of rape and attempted rape, which he was acquitted of by the Chester Crown Court in England last Friday. After the legal ordeal, Mendy is now free to resume his professional football career.

Before his time at Manchester City, Mendy progressed through Le Havre's academy and established himself during a successful three-year stint with Marseille. In 2017, he made a move to City for a reported fee of UK£52 million (US$67.2 million) after impressing during his solitary season with Monaco. During his tenure with Manchester City, Mendy was part of three Premier League title-winning campaigns under the management of Pep Guardiola.

Lorient, who finished 10th in Ligue 1 last season under Regis Le Bris, has welcomed Mendy to the team. The player is set to commence his journey with the club starting Wednesday. The French international left-back, Benjamin Mendy, will wear the number five jersey for Lorient.

The club said in a statement, "FC Lorient is pleased to announce today the signing for two seasons of French international left-back Benjamin Mendy. The native of Longjumeau, who will wear number five with the Merlus, will take his first steps at Espace FCL today. Welcome Benjamin!"

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