Former Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy has signed a two-year deal with French club Lorient after almost two years of not playing professional matches.
This is coming after he was cleared of one count of rape and one count of attempted rape following a retrial earlier this month. The left-back had also been previously cleared of six counts of rape at his initial trial in January.
Benjamin Mendy who became a free agent after his release from Manchester City this year, signed a two-year deal with Lorient.
Lorient, who finished 10th in Ligue 1 last season, handed Mendy the No5 shirt after announcing his arrival on Wednesday, July 19.
Announcing their new signing, the French club wrote in a statement;
“FC Lorient is pleased to announce today the signing for two seasons of French international left-back Benjamin Mendy (29).
“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!”
Benjamin Mendy signe deux ans au FC Lorient.
Le communiqué ➡️ pic.twitter.com/KzuQSLVD4f
— FC LORIENT 🐟 (@FCLorient) July 19, 2023
Mendy signed for Manchester City in 2017 in a £52m deal from Monaco after impressing during the French side’s title-winning season. He made a total of 75 appearances for the club, winning four Premier League titles during his time in the north-west.
Mendy was also part of the French squad that won the 2018 World Cup. He was released by City when his contract expired at the end of June, last playing for the club in August 2021.