Benjamin Mendy joins FC Lorient after being cleared of rape charges

French Ligue 1 side FC Lorient have signed former Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy as a free agent five days after he was cleared of rape charges.

 On Wednesday, July 19, the club announced they had signed the 29-year-old player.

In a statement, a spokesperson for FC Lorient wrote: "The club is pleased to announce today the signing for two seasons of French international left-back Benjamin Mendy.

"After passing a medical examination, Mendy comes to reinforce the team for this new season," the statement added.

Previously, Mendy faced six counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. However, in January, jurors failed to reach a verdict on two of the charges, leading to a second trial.

In the recent trial, Mendy was acquitted of all charges, bringing immense relief to the player and his supporters.

After the verdict, Mendy expressed his gratitude, saying “Alhamdulillah,” which means “praise be to God” in Arabic.

His lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire, stated that Mendy was delighted with the jury’s decision and thanked them for focusing on the evidence presented during the trial.

Mendy, 29, became the Premier League's most expensive defender when City paid £52m to Monaco for him in 2017.

He was released by the Manchester club when his contract expired at the end of June, having last played for the current Premier League champions in August 2021. 

He is ready to revive his career and has chosen Lorient as the ideal place to reclaim his top form.