LORIENT, France — Days after being acquitted of rape and attempted rape charges, former Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy is set to start a new chapter in his career.
The 28-year-old French international has signed a two-year deal with Ligue 1 club Lorient, announced on Tuesday, July 19, 2023.
The signing marks a fresh start for Mendy, who spent much of his career at Manchester City.
It comes on the heels of a protracted legal battle that concluded at Chester Crown Court last week, where a jury found him not guilty on all counts.
“We’re pleased to welcome Benjamin to the team,” said a Lorient spokesperson. “He is an experienced player with a proven track record in the Premier League and the French National Team. His skill set will be an asset to our club as we aim to solidify our position in Ligue 1.”
Mendy’s career at Manchester City was punctuated by remarkable highs, including two Premier League titles and an FA Cup, but also by a series of injuries and off-field controversies that marred his stint with the English champions.
His recent trial was the most serious, leading to his suspension from the City squad.
The move to Lorient represents a return to France for Mendy, who began his professional career with Le Havre before making his mark at Marseille and then moving on to Monaco.
He was part of the Monaco team that won Ligue 1 in 2017, a year before his big-money move to Manchester City.
“Mendy’s return to French football could be a turning point in his career,” said Jerome Touboul, a football analyst based in Paris. “He still has a lot to offer on the pitch, and Lorient could be the right place for him to restart his career after a turbulent period.”
As Mendy embarks on this new journey, all eyes will be on him to see if he can regain the form that once made him one of the most promising left-backs in European football.
