Former Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy has made his debut for Ligue 1 side Lorient.
The former France international, 29, signed for the club earlier this summer five days after being found not guilty of rape.
He had yet to appear for his new club in the season so far but was included in Regis De Bris’ matchday squad for the Ligue 1 game with Monaco on Sunday and was introduced as a 71st minute substitute of the 2-2 draw.
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It is his first competitive appearance since August 2021.
On July 14, Mendy was found not guilty of one count of rape and one of attempted rape following a three-week trial at Chester Crown Court. In January, he was cleared of six counts of rape and one of sexual assault.
He signed a two-year deal with Lorient on July 19. He was a free agent after his contract with City expired in June.
Mendy previously made 75 appearances for the Premier League champions before he was suspended by the club after being charged by the police.
Lorient return to action away at Nantes in Ligue 1 next Saturday.
GO DEEPER
How Benjamin Mendy returned to football – five days after being found not guilty of rape
(Photo: DAMIEN MEYER/AFP via Getty Images)
