Benjamin Mendy will return to playing football in England next month after his new club organised a pre-season friendly against Bournemouth, it has been revealed.
Former Manchester City defender Mendy, 29, was found not guilty of rape and attempted rape last week.
But he could represent his new club Lorient against the Cherries at the Vitality Stadium on August 5, in Bournemouth's final pre-season match before the Premier League season.
Lorient, who play in Ligue 1, offered Mendy an immediate return to top-level football and the chance to relaunch his career back in France after being found not guilty of a string of sex offences.