What Benjamin Mendy trial verdict means for former Man City footballer's career

Benjamin Mendy will now have to decide what the rest of his football career will look like after being cleared of all charges against him.

The former Manchester City defender, 28, was unanimously acquitted in his trial on Friday - his second of the last 12 months - and left court as a free man after being found not guilty of the multiple counts of rape and sexual assault he was charged with two years ago. Mendy wept as the verdict was read out, before issuing a brief statement through his lawyers in which he did not state whether he plans to return to professional football.

"It has been almost three years since the police started investigating this matter," the statement read. "Mr Mendy has tried to remain strong but the process has, inevitably had a serious impact on him.

"He thanks everyone who has supported him throughout this ordeal and now asks for privacy so he can begin rebuilding his life."

Also read: Benjamin Mendy releases statement after being cleared of all charges following re-trial

Mendy signed for City for £52m in 2017 - a world-record fee for a defender at the time - but injuries and off-field issues meant that the club never saw the best of him. His last appearance for them came in a Premier League game at Tottenham in August 2021 shortly before he was charged by the police, and his contract ran out at the end of last month.

That means he is free to negotiate with clubs over a potential move this summer, should any sides come forward with an interest in signing him. Having not played any level of football in two years, Mendy must now decide if he wants to return to bring a professional and where he could go if so.