Benjamin Mendy: Ligue 1 side FC Lorient Sign Former Man City Defender After Not Guilty Verdict

• Benjamin Mendy was cleared of all assault charges last week at Chester Crown Court
• It brought to an end a three-year legal battle that cost him an important part of his career
• He has been quick to return to football after signing for French Ligue 1 side FC Lorient

Benjamin Mendy has made a quick return to football with FC Lorient, days after he was cleared of all assault charges and declared not guilty at the Chester Crown Court.

Mendy began a legal battle against assault accusations in 2020 and stopped playing for Manchester City in 2021 before the club stopped his salary in September of the same year.

Sky Sports reported that he was cleared of the final two charges by a jury of six men and six women during a retrial that was ordered in March. In the March trial, he was cleared of six charges, but two could not reach definitive points.

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Sun Sport reported that he broke down in tears when declared not guilty, having lost financial resources, time, and an important part of his football career.

Mendy signs for FC Lorient

The 28-year-old has now signed a two-year contract with French Ligue 1 side FC Lorient, as confirmed by a club statement, ending speculation he could be heading to Saudi Arabia.

It came fast and unexpectedly as questions were still moving around in the football world about what was next for the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner after the legal battle.

Mendy's one-word comment

Sports Brief reported that Mendy gave a one-word answer when asked for comments outside the court after he was declared not guilty of all assault charges.

He said 'Alhamdulillah' and refused to make comments on other questions as he was whisked away from the court premises while fighting hard to hold back tears, which he earlier shed inside the courtroom.

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Pogba sends message to Mendy

Sports Brief also reported that Paul Pogba congratulated Mendy after his not-guilty verdict at the Chester Crown Court. The two have a close friendship within the national team.

Pogba shared a screenshot on Instagram of the two in a video call, with Mendy visibly excited and sporting a big smile.