Former Manchester City defender and France footballer Benjamin Mendy has broken his silence after he was found not guilty of rape and attempted rape at Chester Crown Court on Friday.

Benjamin Mendy broke down in tears as a UK jury cleared him of sex offences, ending a three-year court ordeal.

The 28-year-old put his head on his knees and wiped away tears on hearing the verdict.

Speaking after the verdict Mendy said he was “delighted” to have been acquitted in both trials.

In a statement by the footballer’s lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire, read: “Benjamin Mendy would like to thank the members of the jury for focusing on the evidence in this trial rather than on the rumour and innuendo that have followed this case since the outset.

This is the second time that Mr Mendy has been tried and found not guilty by a jury. He is delighted that both juries reached the correct verdicts.

“It has been almost three years since the police started investigating this matter. Mr Mendy has tried to remain strong but the process has, inevitably had a serious impact on him.

“He thanks everyone who has supported him throughout this ordeal and now asks for privacy so he can begin rebuilding his life.”