Since 7 January, Benjamin Mendy has been enjoying a semblance of freedom. Initially transferred to one of England's toughest prisons in December, the Manchester City defender was finally released on bail by the British justice system. But the 2018 World Cup winner is far from being off the hook. Before his trial scheduled during the summer of 2022, the footballer will have to follow very strict rules if he does not want to return immediately behind bars.
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As a reminder, the former AS Monaco and Olympique de Marseille player is accused of seven rapes and one sexual assault on five women, including a minor. The acts allegedly took place between October 2020 and August 2021 at his home in Prestbury, Cheshire. A further hearing is scheduled for 24 January at Chester Crown Court.
Defender's confession to a relative
In the context of this case, the daily L'Équipe went to meet those who were close to Benjamin Mendy during his career. Among them, a certain Christ Ntangu, a friend of the former Le Havre player since the training centre.
The French coach is still in contact with the Longjumeau native and revealed the content of emails exchanged with the man he considers to be 'his friend:'
I don't think he is capable of that. He told me that the truth was going to come out, but that it was also a lesson, that he was going to take a step back.
This is the first time that one of Mendy's close friends has reported on the footballer since the initial accusations of rape and sexual assault. These revelations are sure to be talked about.
