Benjamin Mendy’s shock transfer CRASHES new club’s website with fans stunned by move for ex-Man City star
BENJAMIN Mendy’s new football club website crashed as the player’s shock transfer was revealed today.
The French World Cup winner, 29, has signed for Ligue 1 side FC Lorient until June 2025 – just days after he was cleared of rape.
Mendy left Manchester City by mutual consent last month at the end of his contract, having not played for the Premier League and Champions League winners since 2021.
And Lorient confirmed they had signed the left-back on a two-year contract on Wednesday morning.
However, within minutes of the transfer announcement at 10am UK time, the club’s website went down.
Fans flooded the page to read the press release but were unable to get on before the site later recovered.
A statement from his new 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).
“After having satisfied the traditional medical examination, Benjamin Mendy, world champion 2018, quadruple winner of the Premier League under the colours of Manchester City and French champion of Ligue 1 with Monaco in particular, comes to reinforce the Lorient workforce for this new season.
“The native of Longjumeau, who will wear number 5 with the Merlus, will take his first steps at Espace FCL today. Welcome Benjamin!”
Mendy was cleared of rape and attempted rape at Chester Crown Court last week.
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.
The footballer 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.
On Friday evening he celebrated his freedom with pals by going out.
And he turned up at the Pitts complex in Ardwick, Manchester, on Sunday 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.”
Mendy last played for City against Tottenham Hotspur in August 2021 and was suspended by the club later that month when he was arrested.