“Didier Deschamps Addresses Benjamin Mendy’s Eligibility for Selection Following Acquittal, But Rules Out Immediate Return”
France’s coach, Didier Deschamps, has commented on the possibility of choosing Benjamin Mendy for the team, asserting that there’s no hindrance to his selection. However, Deschamps clarified that Mendy’s comeback isn’t currently a priority.
The former left-back of Manchester City was recently declared not guilty of rape and attempted rape by a jury at Chester Crown Court in the previous month. This verdict came after Mendy had already been acquitted of sexual offense charges against several women earlier in the year.
Mendy’s case underwent a retrial when the initial jury failed to reach verdicts on the two charges. Following this retrial, Mendy was once again found not guilty.
Having faced a hiatus from playing for City for nearly two years since his arrest in 2021, Mendy departed from the club when his contract concluded in June of this year. In the past month, he secured a contract with Ligue 1 team Lorient.
Deschamps was questioned about the potential inclusion of Mendy in the national team and remarked that while it’s a possibility, it’s not currently on the immediate agenda. He was quoted by French Football Weekly as saying, “From the moment that justice found him not guilty, I don’t see why I should consider him as non-selectable, even if his return is not on the agenda.”
Mendy had previously represented France in ten matches from 2017 to 2019, including being part of the 2018 World Cup-winning squad. Before joining City in 2017, he played for Le Havre, Marseille, and Monaco. His time at City yielded three league titles and two League Cups.
