Former Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy makes Lorient debut

Former Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy made his debut for Lorient in Ligue 1.

The 29-year-old former France international signed for the club earlier this summer, five days after being found not guilty of rape.

He had yet to play for his new club this season, but was included in Régis De Bris’ squad for Sunday’s Ligue 1 match against Monaco and was introduced as a 71st-minute substitute in the 2-2 draw. 2.

This is his first competitive appearance since August 2021.

On July 14, Mendy was found not guilty of one count of rape and one count of attempted rape following a three-week trial at Chester Crown Court. In January, he was cleared of six counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.

He signed a two-year contract with Lorient on July 19. He was a free agent after his contract with City expired in June.

Mendy had previously made 75 appearances for the Premier League champions before being suspended by the club after being charged by police.

Lorient returns to Nantes in Ligue 1 next Saturday.

(Photo: DAMIEN MEYER/AFP via Getty Images)