In a significant turn of events, Ligue 1 club Lorient has secured the signature of Benjamin Mendy as a free agent, following his not guilty verdict in a high-profile rape trial. The left-back, who was previously cleared of six counts of rape at his initial trial in January, faced a retrial earlier this month and was subsequently found not guilty of one count of rape and one count of attempted rape.
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Having been released from Manchester City, Benjamin Mendy’s future in football seemed uncertain until now. With the cloud of legal proceedings behind him, the talented defender has embraced a fresh start at Lorient. The French club has confirmed that Mendy has signed a contract until 2025, welcoming him to their ranks.
Before the allegations surfaced, Mendy was a pivotal figure at Manchester City, making 75 appearances for the club and contributing significantly to their four Premier League title victories. Additionally, he was part of the France squad that clinched the 2018 World Cup, highlighting his prowess and skill on the international stage.
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The acquittal in the rape trial has brought a sigh of relief for Mendy, and he is now eager to return to the sport he loves. His last appearance was in August 2021, featuring for Manchester City in a 1-0 loss to Tottenham. With the legal hurdles behind him, the 29-year-old is ready to showcase his talent once again on the football pitch.
Returning to French football, where his career initially took shape, Mendy has previously played for notable clubs like Marseille, Le Havre, and Monaco. Now, with the move to Lorient, he has an opportunity to reignite his career and make a significant impact in Ligue