In a show of solidarity, several high-profile footballers, including Vinicius Jr., Memphis Depay, and Paul Pogba, came forward to support Benjamin Mendy when he was acquitted of rape and attempted rape charges in a re-trial. Following a criminal investigation of nearly three years, the French left-back got his name cleared of all the allegations against him.
Benjamin Mendy played his last game for Manchester City against Tottenham Hotspur in 2021 before being suspended by the English champions later that month following his arrest. After a hiatus of two years from professional football, the former Manchester City left-back has signed with a French side FC Lorient.
Benjamin Mendy found not guilty on alleged r*pe case
Earlier this year, the French footballer faced sexual offenses charges against multiple women, although the jury was unable to reach a verdict on two charges. On Friday, the former Manchester City player was found not guilty at a re-trial. The 28-year-old denied the charges and said that the incidents were consensual. According to several reports, the Frenchman broke down as the verdict was announced and came out of the court hugging his friends who were there in support of him.
Following the verdict, the Frenchman’s legal advisor said, “It has been almost three years since the police started investigating this matter. Benjamin Mendy has tried to remain strong, but the process has, inevitably had a serious impact on him.” He added, “Benjamin Mendy would like to thank the members of the jury for focusing on the evidence in this trial, rather than on the rumours and innuendo that have followed this case from the outset.”
Benjamin Mendy joins Lorient
In 2017, Manchester City signed the Frenchman from AS Monaco on a six-year contract for a reported fee of $67 million. Upon the end of his contract in 2023, the English champions released him. After being cleared of criminal charges, the French left-back has made his return to football by signing a two-year deal with the French side FC Lorient.
Benjamin Mendy makes his return to football by signing as new Ligue1 side Lorient player, done deal 🚨đźź
Mendy signs until June 2025 as new Lorient left back after he was found not guilty by Chester Crown Court. pic.twitter.com/9bkWiiQ4iZ
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 19, 2023
Upon his arrival, the club released an official statement, that said: “After 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.”
Just days after the verdict, the Frenchman has decided to return to football. While some footballers have expressed their support, the reception the 28-year-old will receive in France remains to be seen.
