Former French international Benjamin Mendy, found not guilty of rape, attempted rape and sexual assault a year ago, is still under contract at FC Lorient. However, he almost disappeared from Morbihan for four months.
“Where is Benjamin Mendy?”asks West France this Wednesday. The regional daily takes stock of the very vague situation of a player still under contract at FC Lorient. On July 14, 2023, the former French international (10 caps) was acquitted by British justice of rape and attempted rape, six months after having already been found not guilty of six rapes and an assault. sexual. Five days later, Lorient announced its signing of a two-season contract, until June 2025.
Mendy, absent from the field for two years due to the accusations against him, returned to competition in September. But the former Manchester City left-back has played little in Ligue 1: 15 matches, 7 starts and behavior called into question within the group. Lorient was relegated to L2 and Mendy became unwanted at Merlus.
Mendy and Lorient towards an amicable breakup?
Coach Olivier Pantaloni wanted to be clear as the summer transfer window ended at the end of August: “Sportingly, they (Mendy and the other undesirable Lorientais) know that they are not players that I particularly want to have in the group.” Some have left. Not Mendy, who has not even set foot in Morbihan all summer according to West France.
Valentina Claret / Panoramic
The 2018 world champion, aged 30, injured his left thigh during the last match of last season. He treated himself abroad, as he had already done in January, and only returned to Lorient very recently to continue his fitness. His return to the Merlus jersey is unlikely. An amicable termination of his contract is mentioned.
Mendy, a former player for Le Havre, Marseille and Monaco, was courted by Saudi clubs this summer. Lorient is 4th in L2 after seven days and is aiming to move up to the elite.
Related News :