Benjamin Mendy teams up with Bonke Innocent as ex-Man City man signs for new club

Benjamin Mendy has linked up with some familiar names after joining Lorient, including former Arsenal goalkeeper Vito Mannone, plus a Nigerian midfielder called Bonke Innocent

Mark Whiley Sports Writer

11:59, 19 Jul 2023

[MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 23: Benjamin Mendy of Manchester City celebrates with the trophy during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Everton at Etihad Stadium on May 23, 2021 in Manchester, England. A limited number of fans will be allowed into Premier League stadiums as Coronavirus restrictions begin to ease in the UK following the COVID-19 pandemic.]

Benjamin Mendy won three Premier League titles with Manchester City(Image: Getty Images)

Benjamin Mendy will play alongside a player called Bonke Innocent after relaunching his club career in France.

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. And he will do so with Ligue 1 side Lorient, who announced: "FC Lorient is pleased to announce today the signing for two seasons of French international left-back Benjamin Mendy (29).

"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, will take his first steps at Espace FCL today.. Welcome Benjamin!"

The Brittany-based Lorient count former Arsenal goalkeeper Vito Mannone and ex-Marseille star Bamba Dieng among their squad, as well as Innocent, a 27-year-old Nigerian who arrived from Swedish side Malmo in 2021 on a three-and-a-half-year contract. The midfielder, who has four caps for his country, previously played for Lillestrom.

Mendys move comes after he was found not guilty of rape following a two-week trial at Chester Crown Court.

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Benjamin Mendy leaves Chester Crown Court having been found not guilty of one count rape and one of attempted rape(Image: Peter Powell/PA Wire)

The defender 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.

The World Cup winner with France wept in the dock as he was unanimously acquitted. The case was a retrial after Mendy was cleared of other sexual allegations against him in January of this year.

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Bonke Innocent in action for Lorient(Image: Anthony Bibard/FEP/Icon Sport via Getty Images)

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Mendy last played a competitive match for Manchester City against Tottenham in August 2021. He faces an early return to England as Lorient visit Bournemouth for a pre-season friendly on Saturday, August 5.

Lorient, who finished 10th in Ligue 1 last season, begin their French league campaign at defending champions Paris Saint-Germain on the weekend of August 13.

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