With Benjamin Mendy having recently been cleared of all rape charges, France boss Didier Deschamps has now broken his silence on the former Manchester City star's future with Les Bleus.
In July, the fullback was found not guilty on several charges of rape and attempted rape after facing trial in England.
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Having played his last game for City back in August 2021, the Frenchman was released by the club on 30 June this year, prior to the verdict being given out, as his contract had expired.
He has since left the Premier League and joined FC Lorient in his native country, with his signing causing a stir among supporters even though he is yet to make his debut for the side.
Fans at the club's home stadium were recently spotted displaying banners targeting Mendy, Wissam Ben Yedder of AS Monaco, and Paris Saint-German star Achraf Hakimi, who have all faced allegations of rape or attempted rape in recent times.
With Mendy looking to rebuild his career at both club and international level, France boss Deschamps has now revealed that a return to the Les Bleus fold in future for Mendy, who won the 2018 FIFA World Cup with the team, is possible, but admitted it is not on the agenda just yet.
"In general, and on this I have never changed my opinion, violence against women, like all other forms of violence in the rest, it is intolerable, unacceptable.
"Anyone who does it, of course, must be fought against, tried and condemned if necessary.
"As for Benjamin, I will stick to the facts. Complaints have been lodged, he has been placed in custody, the English authorities have investigated, then he was found not guilty and then acquitted.
"The media tribunal had already convicted him but the court's decisions are binding on us and I believe we must respect them, not comment on them.
"Benjamin hasn't played for two years and now wants to pick up the thread of his career at Lorient.
"Since the court found him not guilty, I don't see why I shouldn't consider him for a call-up.
"His return, at the moment, however, is not a topical issue."
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