In just one week, Bantjieven Venditti, who had gained notoriety for an alleged rape case, has been quickly favored by Ligue 1's Lorraine Ante to sign a two-year deal. The 29-year-old former Manchester City left-back is expected to return to England early next month to take part in a warm-up game against Gonemouth.
At one point two years ago, Banjeevan Venditti faced nine counts of sexual assault after he was accused of raping two women in his home in 2018 and 2020. In January this year, six of those counts were dropped, and on Friday (14), the remaining charges were found not guilty.
The France international's reputation continues to resonate despite the fact that he has not played in two years and has suffered a legal fallout since his contract with Manchester City expired at the end of last month. He helped France win the 2018 World Cup and won league titles with both Monaco and City. Lorient seized the opportunity and quickly "undercut" him by inviting him to join the club.
Six years ago, Banjeevon Wendy moved from Monaco to Manchester City for a transfer fee of £52 million (HK$525 million). The signing of him for zero transfer fee by Lorient can be considered as a "treasure". He will wear the No. 5 jersey for the team.
