Benjamin Mendy's £5million mansion goes on the market in bid to avoid bankruptcy

Former Manchester City footballer Benjamin Mendy's exclusive Cheshire mansion has gone on the market for £5million.

The left back must sell his exclusive property to avoid bankruptcy after being cleared of raping and sexually assaulting women during parties at the address.

The 29-year-old is rebuilding his footballing career at French Ligue 1 club Lorient after two criminal trials.

His prestigious former home in the village of Mottram St Andrew is described by estate agents as 'one of the finest contemporary homes in Cheshire'.

The 'amazing 11,000sq-ft residence' is set in over 1.75 acres of grounds and boasts six bedroom suites, an open plan living area, games room, home cinema, swimming pool, steam room, gym and spa.

Estate agents Savills, which are marketing the property, said: 'This impressive home was built about 15 years ago and has been upgraded twice in intervening years.'

Among the highlights are 'an enormous principal bedroom suite with a vaulted bedroom area, a fitted dressing room and a large en-suite bathroom.'

The garden includes a 'sports pitch, basket ball area, extensive terraces and an outside kitchen/entertaining area'.

Other selling points for potential buyers are proximity to leading private schools, 'good restaurants and bistros' in nearby Prestbury, and 'lovely walks in the surrounding countryside'.

The property was bought by Mendy from cricketing legend Andrew Flintoff in 2018 for £4.8million.

Flintoff, who never lived at the house, bought it for £1.8million in 2008 and spent two years rebuilding the property – before renting it out.

His tenants included former footballer Peter Crouch and wife Abbey Clancy.

Flintoff bought the property from former Man City boss Mark Hughes, who now manages Bradford City.