Former Premier League winger Jermaine Pennant has revealed that he needed more than 50 stitches after a German Shepherd attacked him while he was walking his dogs in north London.
The 43-year-old former Liverpool and Stoke City player suffered four bite wounds to his right leg during the incident last week. He received hospital treatment after the dog reportedly clamped onto his leg and refused to release him.
Pennant said he was trying to protect his dog, King, when the attack happened. He credited King with helping him fight off the German Shepherd and prevent the incident from becoming even more serious.
Pennant Praises Dog for Coming to His Rescue
In a post on Instagram, Pennant recounted how the German Shepherd knocked him to the ground and continued biting his leg.
He said King intervened when he appeared unable to escape the attacking animal.
Pennant described the experience as terrifying and praised his dog for stepping in when he needed help.
He also revealed that King escaped serious injury, although the dog sustained a small bite. Pennant said seeing blood on King initially frightened him, but he later realised it was not his dog’s blood.
Former Footballer Declines to Report Attack
Speaking to The Sun, Pennant confirmed that doctors treated four bite wounds on his right leg, requiring more than 50 stitches.
He did not provide further details about the German Shepherd or its owner. He also said he had decided not to report the incident to the police.
Pennant later shared a photograph on Instagram showing himself with a bandaged leg while sitting beside King on a sofa.
He thanked his partner, Mimmi Montgomery, for looking after both of them following the attack.
Pennant also paid tribute to King, describing the dog as his hero and praising its loyalty.
Pennant’s Career in English Football
Pennant enjoyed a 19-year professional football career before retiring in 2018. He made 231 Premier League appearances and represented clubs including Liverpool and Stoke City.
He joined Arsenal from Notts County at the age of 15 in a reported £2.5 million deal, becoming the most expensive trainee in English football at the time.
Pennant has since worked as a football pundit for talkSPORT.
His account of the dog attack has drawn attention to the frightening experience and the role King played in helping him during the incident.