Manchester City wanted Julian Alvarez to come straight into Pep Guardiola's squad when they signed him in January, the club's director of football Txiki Begiristain has explained.
10.08.2022 - 14:57 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Manchester City footballer Benjamin Mendy has pleaded not guilty to a further charge of rape ahead of the start of his trial. The Blues defender's case is being heard at Chester Crown Court today (Wednesday).
The 28-year-old is accused of eight counts of rape; one account of sexual assault; and one of attempted rape. The charges relate to seven women.
Mr Mendy, of Withinlee Road, Prestbury, Cheshire, had already denied all but one rape count. That charge was put to him before Judge Steven Everett this morning.
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The former French international - who was wearing a navy blue suit, white shirt and a striped blue tie - stood and answered 'not guilty' as the count was read to him.
Mr Mendy was accompanied in the dock by an interpreter, who sat between him and co-defendant Louis Saha Matturie.
All offences are alleged to have taken place at Mr Mendy's home address in Cheshire and span between October 2018 and August last year.
Co-defendant Mr Matturie, 41, of Edwin Court, Eccles, has entered not guilty pleas to eight counts of rape; and four counts of sexual assault, relating to eight alleged victims. The first few days of the trial will involve swearing in a jury and other administrative matters.
The trial is expected to last more than three months with up to eight alleged victims, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, expected to give evidence.
Mr Mendy joined Manchester City from Monaco in 2017 in a deal worth more than £50m. The 10-times France international has made more than 70 appearances for the Citizens and has won three Premier League medals.
Manchester City wanted Julian Alvarez to come straight into Pep Guardiola's squad when they signed him in January, the club's director of football Txiki Begiristain has explained.
Here are your latest Manchester City evening headlines for Thursday, August 25.
A woman recalled 'putting on a brave face' after allegedly being raped by Benjamin Mendy at his home, a jury has heard. The trial of the Manchester City defender continued at Chester Crown Court today (August 24).
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Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy allegedly asked police “How many stories like this do you have?” when he was arrested and cautioned for rape. According to an officer who went to Mendy's house, the footballer, 28, asked the question as he was being arrested for allegedly raping a woman three times in his “locked” bedroom during a party in October 2020. Prosecutor Timothy Cray QC read out the statement of PC Luke Browczuk who went to the French international's home after the woman reported him to police several weeks later in November 2020. He said that, when he cautioned Mendy and asked if he understood, the footballer’s response was: “I understand what you are doing, your job and stuff. How many stories like this do you have?”
Two more men have been charged over the fatal stabbing of Javell Morgan in Moss Side earlier this month. Darius Blackburn, 20, and Deontay Crosfield, 22, both from Huddersfield, were arrested in West Yorkshire over the weekend before appearing at Manchester and Salford Magistrates' Court today.
A woman 'looked like she had seen a ghost' after allegedly being raped by Benjamin Mendy in his 'locked' bedroom, a jury has heard. The Manchester City defender is accused of raping the woman three times at his mansion in rural Cheshire in October 2020. He denies all charges against him.
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A young woman says she 'did not want to be here anymore' after 'being raped' by Benjamin Mendy, a jury has heard. The alleged victim - Woman Two - told a court she 'just wanted my life to end' after being sexually attacked by the 28-year-old at his mansion in Cheshire.
Manchester United star Ryan Giggs to his ex-girlfriend Kate Greville, where he referred to his genitalia as a "totem pole", was heard in the court. Several messages between Mr Giggs, 48, and Ms Greville, 38, which are believed to have been shared during their initial days of romance, were read out by his attorneys at the Manchester Crown Court on Thursday.
A woman said she was left with 'no choice' before 'being raped' by Benjamin Mendy in a 'locked' bedroom at his mansion, a jury has heard.
Liam Delap had a 'gut feeling' that he should join Stoke City on loan, despite the Manchester City striker having plenty of other clubs interested in his services.
Manchester City footballer Benjamin Mendy said ”It’s fine, I have had sex with 10,000 women” after allegedly raping a woman three times in his “locked” bedroom, a court heard.
Benjamin Mendy told a woman 'you don't have to be scared' as he 'tried to rape her' after walking in after she had showered at his home, a jury heard. The alleged victim told police in an interview - footage of which was viewed by jurors at Chester Crown Court - the Manchester City footballer had a 'predatory look on his face' shortly before the alleged incident.
Amber Heard has sacked her long-time attorney and hired a new legal team as she prepares to appeal the verdict in her defamation trial with Johnny Depp. Elaine Bredehoft, who represented Ms Heard in the six-week long trial, will step down.
A neighbour of Ryan Giggs told him 'oh Ryan, not this again' after she was informed of allegations that he'd been seeing other women. The former Manchester United star, 48, is on trial accused of headbutting his ex-girlfriend Kate Greville, elbowing her sister Emma on the same date and of behaving in a controlling and coercive manner towards his former partner between August 2017 and November 2020.
Manchester City found themselves in familiar territory when kicking off the latest Premier League season.
Manchester City footballer Benjamin Mendy told a young woman "don't move, don't move" as he held her arms behind her back and raped her, prosecutors have alleged. The defender, 28, has gone on trial at Chester Crown Court accused of eight counts of rape, one count of attempted rape and one count of sexual assault.
Manchester City have named their price for Bernardo Silva amid interest from Barcelona - according to reports.