By SF
Posted 37 minutes ago, Updated 2 minutes ago
Benjamin Mendy will bounce back at FC Lorient to everyone’s surprise. ANDREW BOYERS/AI/Reuters/Panoramic
To everyone’s surprise, FC Lorient announced the signing of Benjamin Mendy for two seasons. The Frenchman was still on trial for rape and attempted rape in England less than a week ago.
It is the amazement that predominates, this Wednesday morning, among observers of French football. FC Lorient, 10th in Ligue 1 last season, said to itself “happyto announce the recruitment of Benjamin Mendy, who has signed a two-season contract, until June 2025, with the Merlus. Left side with 10 selections for the France team and world champion in 2018, Mendy was found not guilty of six rapes and a sexual assault in England last January, then was again acquitted of two other charges, rape and attempted rape just five days ago.
Mendy, 29 ans, a «satisfied with the traditional medical visit“, specifies FC Lorient in his press release. Passed by AS Monaco and Olympique de Marseille, Mendy had been free since June 30 after the expiration of his contract at Manchester City. He has not appeared on a football pitch since August 15, 2021, in a Premier League game against Tottenham.
In the wake of his acquittal on July 14, Mendy received the support of many footballers, including some French internationals like Paul Pogba or Samuel Umtiti. But there is no doubt that his return to the lawns of Ligue 1 will not please everyone, players but also managers or supporters.
What physical and mental state for Mendy?
FC Lorient has already resumed training and will play a friendly match at Guingamp this Saturday July 22. Mendy is unlikely to be fit for this match. The physical and mental state of the native of Longjumeau remains a big question mark.
It may be necessary to wait for the official start of the season to see Benjamin Mendy again on a football pitch. This could happen, for example, on the first day of Ligue 1. Les Merlus will travel to Paris Saint-Germain on the weekend of August 12 and 13. Their first home game will be the following week, with the reception of OGC Nice.
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