Mendy signs for French club Lorient after sex trial acquittal
Lorient, who face Bournemouth in a friendly on August 5, begin their 2023-34 Ligue 1 campaign against champions PSG on August 13.
Former Manchester City and France international defender Benjamin Mendy signed for French football club Lorient in Brittany on Wednesday 19 July after he was acquitted of a sex crimes charge in England last week.
“Lorient is pleased to announce today that France national team left-back Benjamin Mendy has signed a two-year deal,” the Ligue 1 club announced. Mendy, 29, was acquitted of sex crimes last week, ending a three-year trial.
The player, who could face a lengthy prison sentence if convicted, was acquitted of six rape charges and one sexual assault charge in January after a six-month trial.
But the jury in that trial was unable to deliver a verdict on two other counts, triggering a retrial that ended last week.
Mendy, whose contract with England and European champions Manchester City expired at the end of June, has denied all allegations against him.