Paul Pogba and Memphis Depay show support to Benjamin Mendy as ex-Man City man is cleared of rape
- Seb Sternik
- 15 July 2023
Former Manchester United players have come out in support of Benjamin Mendy.
Former Manchester United stars Paul Pogba and Memphis Depay were among a number of former and current Premier League players to show support for Benjamin Mendy.
The 28-year-old was cleared of raping a young women and attempting to rape another, with the ex Premier League star acquitted of all charges of sexual assault.
Mendy was initially arrested almost two years ago following rape accusations at his home.
Last January, the player was cleared of one count of sexual assault and six counts of rape in a trial which last six months.
The second trial came to an end on Friday, with Mendy reacting emotionally and even breaking down in tears as the not-guilty verdict was delivered.
In a statement outside of the Chester Crown Court, Mendy's lawyer asked for 'privacy' in order for the player to begin rebuilding his life.
Mendy's contract with Manchester City came to an end earlier this month, leaving the player as a free agent.
The defender has not played for the European champions since August 2021 - the time of his initial arrest.
Mendy's French teammate Paul Pogba - with whom he won the 2018 World Cup - wrote on Instagram: "Al Hamdullilah [Praise be to God].
"So happy for you bro. All the people that were talking bad about you, NOW I wanna see them cleaning your name. Can't wait to see you on the pitch again."
Memphis Depay also came out in support of Mendy, saying: "All cases dismissed. So what are we doing now? Who is going to help this brother heal? Who's going to be responsible for the damage to his name?
"How is he going to have his career back? Many years of investment to become a professional football player… now what!?
"I've never touched on this subject because I didn't know all the details, but I've spoken to him once through FaceTime while behind bars and faced him on the pitch a couple times… I didn't see any evil in the man.
"We can't accept this to happen to us as athletes.
"Who's going to stand up for us in the time of need, not when the damage is already done?
"Don't turn your head away people!
"FIFA, Premier League, Man City, France - who's f****** defending us athletes? Where are the big corporations when we need them?
"Let's all pray for Benjamin to get his mental health, physical and spiritual strength back!"
Toni Rudiger, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jack Grealish were among players to show support in the comments section of Depay's post.
