Benjamin Mendy has spoken. It is the first time that we have heard from him since the start of his trial, which began on August 10 and which is being held in Chester, in the north of England. His testimony resumes on Tuesday morning. The French international footballer from Manchester City, reigning world champion with the Blues, is accused of seven rapes, one attempted rape and sexual assault by six women.
With our special correspondent in Chester, Marie Boeda
He admits that he may have been disrespectful, but he didn’t think he was hurting these women, because we had agreed to make love.
Benjamin Mendy speaks English with a strong French accent. First of all, he recounts his childhood: born in Paris to parents of Senegalese origin, the future football player does not like school. He quickly comes to the sport that will make him famous. At 18, he arrived in Ligue 1, at Olympique de Marseille. He begins to take advantage of his success and continues the conquests.
Then, five years ago, he joined the Manchester City team. It was a dream, he said. Women come to him. This is ” so easy “, he explains, to have sex. “ I am not Brad Pitt. They are interested in me, because I am a footballer “, adds Benjamin Mendy. He buys a luxurious mansion in the north of England. This is where all-night parties take place, with lots of alcohol. This is also where six women claim to have been assaulted by the international.
Confiscated Laptops
He sometimes confiscates the phones of his guests to prevent them from posting images on social networks. He also talks about his room, in which he had many sexual relations, and whose door is locked by a code.
The accusers said they felt trapped. But it was enough to use the handle to get out, he defends himself. As for the parties he continued to organize despite police warnings, he regrets.
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