From restaurant kitchen porter to professional footballer, Laurent Mendy is embracing life at Forest Green.
Signed from Robbie Savage’s former club Macclesfield, the combative midfielder has taken to the National League like a duck to water. Many fans have even compared him to former Forest Green favourite — and now Derby County midfielder — Ebou Adams, who Rovers snapped up from Ebbsfleet United.
“I’ve come from Step 3 to Step 1,” Mendy says, reflecting on his rapid rise to full-time football at the age of 28. “I’ve adjusted well to the level and it’s a dream come true to become a pro footballer — doing something I love.”
Now based in Gloucester, he’s enjoying the calmer pace compared to his Manchester roots. “It’s a nice area and much calmer than Manchester — but the seagulls are noisy,” he laughs.
Arriving at The New Lawn alongside former Macclesfield team-mates Tre Pemberton and Neil Kengni proved crucial in helping him settle. “To have Tre and Neil with me, going through the same journey after winning the league at Macclesfield, made it easier. It’s another opportunity to showcase ourselves and keep pushing each other.”
Mendy reserves special praise for boss Savage, underlining their long working relationship. “I’ve been working with him for the past five years and he’s been great — always talking to us. He’s a winner, and if you share the same passion and desire, you’re going to click together. He’s just the best.”
