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Didier Deschamps talks about Benjamin Mendy, and the possibility of his return to the France national team.
France national team manager Didier Deschamps has stated that Benjamin Mendy is not untouchable, suggesting that he will pick him should he merit it.
Mendy's paused football career
The 29-year-old left-back was arrested and charged with multiple counts of sexual crimes, leading him to be suspended from his football club at the time, Manchester City.
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14:30 - 21.08.2023
Anti-sex crime banners targeting Mendy and Hakimi displayed near Lorient Stadium
The star footballers have all been accused of sexual-related crimes
He was, however, cleared of all wrongdoing by the Chester Crown Court last month, and although his Man City contract officially expired before he was cleared, he has been signed by Ligue 1 side Lorient.
Mendy last played professionally in 2021 and has yet to play for his new team. He also last represented Les Bleus in November 2019 in a European Championships qualifier clash against Albania.
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What Didier Deschamps said
Despite Mendy still being viewed through the lenses of the crimes he was accused of by sections of the public, Deschamps rejects the idea that he is a pariah, stating that the court ruling should be respected.
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23:44 - 11.08.2023
WATCH: Ex-Chelsea goalkeeper Mendy concedes terrible howler in Saudi Arabia debut
Chelsea fans will be familiar with this scene as Eduoard Mendy costs his new team Al-Ahli a goal on his Saudi Pro League debut
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07:01 - 22.08.2023
Arsenal legend Thierry Henry lands France coaching job
Former Arsenal and Barcelona star Thierry Henry has been named the new France Under-21 coach until 2025.
Mendy was a member of the France squad that won the World Cup in 2018, and Deschamps refused to rule him out of making a return in the future.
“English authorities have done their investigation. He was found to be not guilty and was then cleared,” he said, per GFFN.
“From the moment justice systems found him not guilty, I can’t see why I should consider him non-selectable. Although his return is not on the agenda.“
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It remains to be seen if the left-back can return to his pre-suspension form, and given the currency competition in the position with the rise of the Hernandez brothers, Lucas Digne, Ferland Mendy, and even Eduardo Camavinga, who has been trusted in the position at the biggest stage, Deschamps might not even have to consider Benjamin.
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