The information has gone almost unnoticed. Benjamin Mendy is no longer officially an FC Zurich player since Monday, ending an adventure marked by disappointments and controversies. Despite the initial enthusiasm of the Swiss club, which proudly announced its signature in February, this collaboration quickly turned to Fiasco. The French side, 2018 world champion, has never managed to convince, neither on the field nor outside.
His recruitment had immediately aroused a controversy linked to his judicial history. Despite his acquittal, his image remained tainted, especially with women's associations which denounced “support for rape culture”. The club was trying to calm the spirits by recalling the lack of conviction, but the distrust continued, visible through the whistles and posters hostile during its beginnings.
On the sporting level, Mendy also did not meet expectations. In eight matches, including seven in Super League, he distinguished himself by several gross errors: a failed withdrawal pass against Servette who offered a goal, and against Lausanne, two dumplings in less than five minutes, including one leading to the opening of the opposing score. An insufficient yield that exasperated the coach Ricardo Moniz: “He didn't give what was expected. »»
Controversial behavior outside the field
Outside the field, his behavior also hit the headlines. After a heavy defeat against Basel (0-4) last April, he was surprised in the middle of a party until the early morning. A lack of respect according to Moniz: “After a 0-4, you can't afford that kind of things with fans. »» More recently, even though he was supposed to be injured, Mendy was seen at a concert in Madrid. What ignite the local press.
The newspaper The morning did not hesitate to write: “The masquerade had to end, just to avoid other tragicomic episodes. »» Faced with these repeated slippages, FC Zurich decided to end the Mendy contract by mutual consent, preferring to turn the page quickly and close this stormy episode.
