Benjamin Mendy signs contract with Ligue 1 side Lorient
- Mendy was cleared of rape and attempted rape charges last week
- The 29-year-old's contract with Man City ended this summer
- Mendy has signed a two-year deal
By Tom Gott
Benjamin Mendy has returned to professional football just five days after being cleared of sexual assault charges, inking a two-year deal with French side Lorient.
The left-back was found not guilty of six rape charges in January and was recently cleared of two more rape and attempted rape charges, bringing an end to the legal investigation against him.
Five days after walking free from Cheshire Crown Court, Mendy has signed a two-year contract with Lorient.
"FC Lorient is pleased to announce today the signing for two seasons of French international left-back Benjamin Mendy (29)," a statement from the French side read.
"After having satisfied the traditional medical examination, Benjamin Mendy, world champion 2018, quadruple winner of the Premier League in the colours of Manchester City and French champion of Ligue 1 with Monaco in particular, comes to reinforce the Lorient squad for this new season.
"The native of Longjumeau, who will wear number fie with the Merlus, will take his first steps at Espace FCL today. Welcome Benjamin!"
Mendy saw his Manchester City contract expire this summer, just under two years after his last appearance for the Premier League side.
The left-back appeared in both the Community Shield and the opening Premier League fixture of the 2021/22 season before being arrested on suspicion of numerous sexual assault charges.
A lengthy investigation led to charges against Mendy but the 29-year-old was found not guilty last week and is now set to get his football career back underway in his homeland.