Benjamin Mendy Signs For Ligue 1 Team Lorient Five Days After Being Cleared Of Rape

Former Manchester City player Benjamin Mendy has joined Lorient on a free transfer five days after being cleared of rape. Mendy has signed a two-year contract.

Former Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy has joined Lorient on a free transfer five days after being cleared of rape.

Mendy, 29, has signed a two-year contract with the Ligue 1 club.

The French defender was released by Man City when his contract with the Premier League champions expired at the end of last month.

But Mendy had not played for City in almost two years.

Benjamin Mendy pictured in May 2021 holding the Premier League trophy after featuring in 13 games during Manchester City's title-winning campaign of 2020/21 :: IMAGO/Sportimage/Darren Staples

His most recent City appearance came in August 2021 during a 1-0 loss to Tottenham.

Mendy was charged by Cheshire Police later that month with four counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.

After more complainants came forward, Mendy eventually stood trial last year, charged with eight counts of rape, one of attempted rape and one of sexual assault. He pleaded not guilty to all charges.

In January this year Mendy was cleared of six counts of rape and one of sexual assault, but the jury could not reach a verdict on one other count of rape and one count of attempted rape.

Mendy was then cleared of both remaining charges following a retrial that concluded last week.

A statement published on his behalf by Jenny Wiltshire, head of serious and general crime at Hickman & Rose said: "Benjamin Mendy would like to thank the members of the jury for focusing on the evidence in this trial, rather than on the rumor and innuendo that have followed this case from the outset.

"This is the second time that Mr Mendy has been tried and found not guilty by a jury. He is delighted that both juries reached the correct verdicts.

"It has been almost three years since the police started investigating this matter. Mr Mendy has tried to remain strong but the process has, inevitably had a serious impact on him.

"He thanks everyone who has supported him throughout this ordeal and now asks for privacy so he can begin rebuilding his life."

Mendy pictured in August 2021 during what proved to be his final ever game for Man City - a 1-0 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur :: IMAGO/PA Images/Mark Pain

Mendy began his soccer career in France and played for Le Harve, Marseille and Monaco before moving to Manchester in July 17 when City bought him for a £52 million transfer fee.

He made 50 Premier League appearances for City, scoring two goals and providing nine assists.

Lorient finished 16th in Ligue 1 last season.