A SHOCKING detail has emerged in the Benjamin Mendy transfer after he completed a move to Ligue 1 side FC Lorient.
The 29-year-old France international signed on a two-year deal just days after being acquitted of rape after a retrial.
And according to Le Parisien, Lorient moved to sign the former Monaco and Marseille defender a month ago while he was still on trial.
The news outlet claimed the French club contacted his agent Meïssa N'diaye.
He was only cleared of sex offences last week, ending a three-year court process.
In January, Mendy was found not guilty of six counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.
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Mendy returns to football in shock transfer weeks after leaving Man City
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Mendy last played for Manchester City against Tottenham Hotspur in August 2021 and was suspended by the club later that month when he was arrested.
City released him when his contract expired last month.
Lorient said in a statement that Mendy had passed a medical and would wear the number five shirt.
He made his first appearance at the club's training ground today.
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"Lorient are happy to announce today the signing on a two-year deal of the French international left-back Benjamin Mendy," the club said in a statement.
"Benjamin Mendy, 2018 world champion, quadruple winner of the Premier League under the colours of Manchester City and French champion of Ligue 1 with Monaco, comes to reinforce the Lorient squad for this new season. Welcome Benjamin," Lorient added.
Mendy became the Premier League's most expensive defender when he joined City from Monaco for £52 million in 2017.
He won three league titles with City and was a member of France's 2018 World Cup winning squad, without playing in the final.
Lorient finished 10th in the league last season.
Lorient, who face AFC Bournemouth in a friendly on August 5, begin their 2023-34 Ligue 1 campaign against champions PSG on August 13.
The Sun has approached FC Lorient for comment.
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