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Benjamin Mendy has played his first game in two years after coming on for new club Lorient in Ligue 1.
After being released by Manchester City and following his acquittal for rape and attempted rape, Mendy has been given the green light to kickstart his career with Lorient, who announced in July: "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 native of Longjumeau, who will wear number 5 with the Merlus."
After so long out of the game, Mendy has had to bide his time before making his debut, but it finally arrived today (Sunday) as he came off the bench 19 minutes from time against Monaco, who had just taken a 2-1 lead through former Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun.
READ MORE: Benjamin Mendy teams up with Bonke Innocent as ex-Man City man signs for new club
READ MORE: Benjamin Mendy 'chasing £10m from Man City and selling £5m home' to avoid bankruptcy
Tosin Aiyegun gave Lorient an early lead with Aleksandr Golowin levelling on 17 minutes. There was late drama with Lorient salvaging a 2-2 draw thanks to a 98th-minute goal from Romain Faivre, with Mendy playing a part in the equaliser.
Mendy's appearance represents another step forward as he looks to rebuild his career, which was put on hold after he was accused of raping one woman in October of 2020 and attempting to rape a second woman in 2018. He was cleared of both charges against him, plus allegations made against him in January of this year
The 29-year-old previously played a competitive match for Man City against Tottenham in August 2021. Lorient, who finished 10th in Ligue 1 last season, are currently mid-table with unbeaten Monaco leading the way.
Last month, it was reported that Mendy was chasing millions from City after selling his home in England to avoid bankruptcy. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) were seeking a bankruptcy order against the now Lorient defender over a tax debt of almost £800,000, a judge was told at the High Court in London.
His accountant told the court that Mendy’s agent is “in negotiations with Man City to get the back pay on the basis that he has been found not guilty”. It is claimed he is owed “nine to 10 million pounds gross”. City released Mendy at the end of last season upon the expiry of his contract.
- Benjamin Mendy
- Manchester City FC
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