Benjamin Mendy's Swift Return to Football After Not Guilty Verdict Sends Social Media into Meltdown

• Benjamin Mendy has made a quick return to football after his court saga
• He was cleared of assault charges last week by the Chester Crown Court
• The 28-year-old has now inked a deal with French Ligue 1 side FC Lorient

After being cleared of the assault charges against him, Benjamin Mendy's immediate return to football has sparked a massive uproar on social media.

Just days after the verdict in his favour by the Chester Crown Court, Mendy was announced as the newest addition to Ligue 1 side, FC Lorient.

This announcement would come as a relief for the former Manchester City defender, who had been embroiled in a lengthy legal battle since October 2020, when he was accused of forceful intimacy by a woman at his Cheshire residence, Sky Sports reports.

Throughout the process, Mendy consistently denied the allegations, maintaining the encounter was consensual.

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Now, with a fresh two-year deal at Lorient ending the speculation linking him to a move to Saudi Arabia, the Frenchman is eager to make up for lost time, according to CNN.

Fans react to Mendy's signing

@provii8 expressed his joy following Mendy's move to Lorient:

"I’m happy for him. He understands the drill; never give up!"

@therealdaddymo1 wished the Frenchman well as he makes a swift return to football:

"Good luck even as you get your football career back on track. All the best, Benjamin Mendy."

@phveektordrayne declared his support for Lorient following the club's decision to sign Mendy:

"I'm a fan of Lorient just for this. Thanks for giving Benjamin hope."

@Akinjoshua2017 added:

"So happy for him. I wish him the very best."

@davidchibuike_ wrote:

"Wow happy for him. This a step in the right direction."

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As Sports Brief reported, Mendy began a legal battle against the assault accusations in 2020 and stopped playing for Man City in 2021 before the club stopped his salary in September of the same year.

The 29-year-old has now signed a two-year contract with Ligue 1 side, FC Lorient, as confirmed by the club in a formal statement, ending speculation that he could be heading to Saudi's Pro League.

Mendy cleared of all charges

Earlier, Sports Brief reported on Mendy being cleared of assault charges by the Chester Crown Court after nearly three years since allegations by a 24-year-old woman.

He began his journey to clear his name in October 2020, after being accused of forceful intimacy at his Cheshire home. He denied this and claimed it was consensual.