Former Manchester City and France footballer Benjamin Mendy has spoken of his relief and pride after being cleared of rape and attempted rape charges. The verdict, delivered at Chester Crown Court in July 2023, marked the end of a lengthy legal process that began with his arrest in August 2021.
Mendy, who was acquitted of one count of rape and one of attempted rape following a retrial, had previously been found not guilty of six counts of rape and one of sexual assault at an earlier trial in January 2023. In a recent interview, he described the outcome as a source of "enormous pride" for having fought to prove his innocence.
The footballer's contract with Manchester City expired in June 2023, and he subsequently joined French club Lorient. He has since resumed his professional career, stating his focus is now entirely on football and moving forward with his life after the legal ordeal.
