Mendy Found Not Guilty In Sex Offence Re-Trial
CHESTER, ENGLAND - Former Manchester City footballer Benjamin Mendy leaves Chester Crown Court after being found not guilty on July 14, 2023 in Chester, England. In an earlier trial, Mendy was cleared of rape and sexual assault charges involving six women, but that jury could not reach verdicts on sex offences involving two other women. Mendy has now also been found not guilty on the retrial on those charges. Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

Benjamin Mendy's ordeal concerning rape charges and jailing is a thing of the past now as the French footballer instantly finds a new club in Ligue 1's Lorient.

The jurors unanimously acquitted the player on July 14 from a total of seven counts of rape, which the complainants said took place in his mansion. Amongst Mendy's defense is that the meeting was consensual.

Lorient welcomed Mendy wholeheartedly by enumerating his honors before Manchester City released him because of his off-pitch scandal.

"After having satisfied the traditional medical examination, Benjamin Mendy, world champion 2018, quadruple winner of the Premier League under the colors of Manchester City and French champion of Ligue 1 with Monaco in particular, comes to reinforce the Lorient workforce for this new season," the club wrote in a statement.

"The native of Longjumeau, who will wear number 5 with the Merlus, will take his first steps at Espace FCL today. Welcome, Benjamin!"

Reactions on Lorient's signing of Mendy

The internet's reaction to Mendy's signing ranged from celebratory to disappointed. Others only offered interesting factoids.