After the unsuccessful intermezzo in Zurich

© Imago

Benjamin Mendy (31) found a new club two months after its termination of the contract at FC Zurich. The 2018 French world champion and the former Man-City star signed a contract with the Polish first division club Pogon Stettin by 2026, including one option for another season.

« I am very happy to be here, » said Mendy. « I watched Pogon game videos. I liked the atmosphere in the stands and the passion with which fans support the team. The stadium is practically exhausted in every match. This is what we like in (Site notre bureau spécialisé), and that also influenced my decision. »

During the summer of 2023, Mendy went from Skyblues to FC Lorient to FC Lorient, after a prior acquittal in the rape allegation process and two years without use, with which he descends from Ligue 1.. The alcohol of 57.5 million euros was billed in August 2021, then suspended by his old club. City was invited to pay Mendy in the millions by court order. The professional had accused his former employer of wrongly putting the payment of his monthly salary after being arrested due to alleged sexual offenses. After two legal proceedings, Mendy had been acquitted by all allegations.

Mendy with an unsuccessful intermezzo at FC Zurich

Last February, the ten -time international moved to Switzerland, where FC Zurich followed an unsuccessful intermezzo. Mendy finished only eight games for the FCZ, three times, it was enough for the starting eleven. After two months, a tear of muscle fibers for the rest of the season put it out of service. The club president, Antillo Canepa, then criticized the coach of the Ricardo Moniz time for using Mendy too early.

« It was certainly not what we expected. But maybe you should also blame the coach, » said Canepa in the « third half » podcast. « The coach brought him after two weeks. Unfortunately, he made a assist. This probably tried the coach to use Mendy again in the next match. » It was a mistake because he was not yet mentally and physically ready. « He also played very badly and also caused goals. Overall, it was certainly not a happy story that we lived here at FC Zurich. »

It should operate differently in the Polish Ekstraklas. « We are pleased to welcome Benjamin to our club. His highest level experience will make the team a precious contribution, » said Tan Kesler, Managing Director of Pogon, who previously worked in Hull City in England. « We are impatiently awaiting its contribution to the achievement of our objectives. This transfer reflects our effort to strengthen important positions in a team with proven and high quality players (…). »