Ex Barcelona Star Memphis Hailed As “Freedom Fighter” After Passionate Support for Benjamin Mendy

• Memphis Depay issued an impassioned statement in support of Benjamin Mendy
• The Frenchman was found not guilty by a jury of six men and six women at the Chester Crown Court
• He has asked for privacy to begin “rebuilding his life”

Memphis Depay has been recognized as a "freedom fighter" for his unwavering support of former Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy, who was acquitted of all sexual charges.

Depay emerged as one of the prominent football figures to lend his support to Mendy, who had faced allegations that dated back nearly three years, eventually resulting in his vindication.

Mendy's long legal battle

Mendy embarked on his quest to establish his innocence in October 2020 when a woman accused him of non-consensual acts at his residence in Cheshire. Denying the allegations, Mendy consistently maintained that the encounters were consensual.

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In January, he was acquitted of the charges made by multiple women. However, the jury reached no conclusive verdict on two specific cases, leading to a retrial scheduled for July.

On Friday, July 14, Mendy was ultimately cleared of the remaining two cases by a jury composed of six men and six women at the Cheshire Crown Court. He was officially declared not guilty, bringing closure to the legal proceedings, BBC reports.

Football world supports Mendy

The extensive legal battle has taken a toll on the 2018 World Cup champion, impacting significant aspects of his football career and personal life, including his absence from Manchester City's triumphant treble-winning campaign last season.

Following the verdict, the left-back chose to express his emotions through a single-word statement, "Alhamdulillah," per CNN.

Now that he has been declared a "free" man, the football community, including fans and fellow players, seem to share a collective sigh of relief, as this outcome aligns with their hopes and prayers.

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Memphis' passionate message

In the midst of an outpouring of support messages from the football community, Memphis Depay's impassioned statement seems to strike a chord with a large number of fans, leading many to hail him as a "freedom fighter."

How fans reacted?

@Danizeh wrote:

"Respect to you for speaking out."

@mister_ade5 commended Memphis:

"It’s good to see that an athlete has come out to speak on this topic because this is becoming unbearable, and it’s becoming a norm in society. We need those who falsely accused him behind bars. We need their names out and tarnished like they did his own."

@mistaremi tweeted:

"It’s time to speak up… don’t let all those false accusers go scot-free."

@Mbahdeyforyou saluted the Atletico Madrid forward:

"Respect."

Another user, @pepgburner, even conferred the legendary title on Memphis for his statements:

"You are United’s biggest legend Memphis."

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Mendy breaks silence

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that former Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy was today cleared of all charges of assault and declared not guilty after nearly three years since a 24-year-old woman first alleged him.

He was approached by journalists outside the Chester Crown Court, but he gave only a one-word answer and waved off other questions as he fought back his tears.

"Alhamdulillah," he said.