French side Lorient have confirmed the signing of ex-Manchester City defender, Benjamin Mendy.
This is coming five days after he was cleared of one count of rape and one of attempted rape at Chester Crown Court.
The 29-year-old, who hasn’t played any form of football in nearly two years, was released by City when his contract expired in June, and has almost immediately agreed a move back to his native France.
In 2022, Mendy was charged with eight counts of rape, one of attempted rape and one of sexual assault.
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He was found not guilty of six counts of rape and one count of sexual assault in January 2023, with two charges going to a retrial. Earlier this month, the Frenchman was cleared of both charges.
Subsequently, 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),” the club announced, via their website on Wednesday morning.
The French club said: “After having satisfied the traditional medical examination, Benjamin Mendy, world champion 2018, quadruple winner of the Premier League under the colours of Manchester City and French champion of Ligue 1 with Monaco in particular, comes to reinforce the Lorient workforce for this new season. .
“The native of Longjumeau, who will wear number 5 with the Merlus, will take his first steps at Espace FCL today. Welcome Benjamin!”
Mendy played 75 times for City and has previously represented Ligue 1 sides Le Havre, Marseille and Monaco.
