BENJAMIN Mendy snubbed a Premier League club before his transfer to Ligue 1 side FC Lorient, it has been reported.
The France left-back, 29, signed a two-year deal with the French club five days after being cleared of rape and attempted rape.
And the former Manchester City defender had interest from Burnley, via manager Vincent Kompany, according to L’Équipe.
The French newspaper also claimed that Olympiacos and many clubs from France and outside of Europe were keen on signing Mendy.
He was said to have not been motivated by money in his move to Lorient and instead chose the side because he wanted to “have fun on the pitch”.
Mendy allegedly sought a “calmer environment” in order to be able to “regain his confidence” after not playing for several years.
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It comes after it was alleged that Lorient moved to sign the former Monaco and Marseille defender a month ago while he was still on trial.
Le Parisien reported the French club contacted his agent Meïssa N’diaye.
He left City after his contract expired last month but has not played since August 2021.
Mendy was found not guilty at a retrial of attempting to rape a woman at his home in 2018.
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He was also acquitted of raping a second woman two years later.
Mendy claimed the incidents were consensual.
Earlier this year, Mendy was cleared of six counts of rape and one of sexual assault after a six-month trial.
But the jury failed to reach a verdict on the two other charges.
“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.
Lorient finished 10th in the league last season.
The club, who face Bournemouth in a friendly on August 5, begin their 2023-34 Ligue 1 campaign against champions PSG on August 13.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
