In an unexpected turn of events, Benjamin Mendy, the former Manchester City defender, has made a triumphant return to Ligue 1 side Lorient, just five days after being cleared of serious charges. The 29-year-old left-back, whose City contract had expired in the summer, recently signed a two-year deal with the French club, marking a fresh chapter in his footballing journey.
Mendy’s professional career took an unfortunate turn when he faced allegations of rape and attempted rape. However, after a lengthy legal process, he was cleared of all charges at Chester Crown Court, much to the relief of both Mendy and his supporters. The case had gone to trial twice, with the final verdict vindicating the highly-rated defender, who was once the world’s most expensive defender when he signed for City from Monaco for a staggering £52 million in 2017.
During his time with Manchester City, Mendy showcased his skills and talents, solidifying his reputation as one of the world’s best full-backs. He played a crucial role in the team’s Premier League victory in his debut season and was part of the triumphant French squad that claimed the 2018 World Cup in Russia. However, his last competitive appearance was back in August 2021, and legal proceedings kept him away from the football pitch for an extended period.
Despite the challenging circumstances, Mendy received tremendous support from fellow players, including prominent names like Memphis Depay and Vinicius Jr, who expressed their solidarity with him on social media after his acquittal. With the trial behind him, Mendy now embarks on a fresh start with Lorient, a team that finished 10th in Ligue 1 the previous season.
Lorient’s announcement of Mendy’s return to French football was met with enthusiasm, as the club hailed his achievements, including being a 2018 World Champion and a quadruple Premier League winner with Manchester City. The defender’s presence is expected to bolster Lorient’s ranks as they prepare for the new season ahead.
As Lorient readies for their pre-season friendly against Bournemouth on August 5th, and subsequently their league campaign opener against champions Paris St-Germain on August 13th, Mendy’s return promises to bring added strength and experience to the team. Football fans will be eagerly watching to see how the talented left-back performs and whether he can continue to showcase his skills and regain the form that once made him a standout player on the global stage.
As Mendy closes the chapter on a tumultuous period in his life and looks forward to resuming his professional career in his home country, the footballing world eagerly awaits the resurgence of the talented defender in Ligue 1. The support shown by his fans and peers during his challenging times is a testament to the enduring spirit of sportsmanship that transcends the game, making it clear that Benjamin Mendy’s journey is far from over.