Benjamin Mendy in shock transfer as he returns to football days after he’s cleared of rape – with new club revealed
BENJAMIN MENDY has returned to football in a shock transfer just weeks after leaving Man City.
The French World Cup winner has signed for Ligue 1 side Lorient until June 2025 just days after he was cleared of rape and attempted rape.
Mendy left Man City by mutual consent last month at the expiration of his contract, having not played for the Premier League and Champions League winners since 2021.
The 29-year-old was cleared of rape and attempted rape at Chester Crown Court last week.
A club statement from the club, based in Brittany, read: “FC Lorient is pleased to announce today the signing for two seasons of French international left-back Benjamin Mendy (29).
“fter having satisfied the traditional medical examination, Benjamin Mendy, world champion 2018, quadruple winner of the Premier League under the colors of Manchester City and French champion of Ligue 1 with Monaco in particular, comes to reinforce the Lorient workforce for this new season.
“he native of Longjumeau, who will wear number 5 with the Merlus, will take his first steps at Espace FCL today. Welcome Benjamin!”
On Friday he celebrated his freedom with pals on Friday evening by going out.
He smiled for the camera just hours after a jury cleared him of attempting to rape a woman aged 29 as she showered at his home in October 2018.
He was also found not guilty of raping a 24-year-old woman in his bedroom at his £4.8m mansion in Prestbury, Cheshire, two years later.
And on Sunday he turned up at the Pitts complex in Ardwick, Manchester, for a kickabout with strangers.
An onlooker said: “Mendy turned up and asked some lads if he could join in.
“They couldn’t believe it – getting to play against a Premier League star and a World Cup winner.
“He had a laugh and just enjoyed himself and was happy to shake everyone’s hand at the end and sign autographs.”