Former Premier League footballer Jermaine Pennant has revealed he needed more than 50 stitches after being mauled by a dog last week. The former Liverpool and Stoke City winger says he was attacked by a German Shepherd in north London while walking his two dogs.
As he tried to protect his own dog, King, the attacking dog latched onto his leg and refused to let go. King, he says, then intervened to come to his owner's aid.
Four bite wounds and hospital treatment
Pennant sustained four bite wounds in the attack and required more than 50 stitches in hospital. Photos from the attack showed the gruesome aftermath, with the former Arsenal star confirming he declined to report the incident to police.
He posted a picture on social media showing himself relaxing at home with King and with his leg heavily bandaged.
'My hero'
"So I was attacked by a German shepherd, I tried to protect King but the dog got my leg, I was on the floor with the dog still attached with no sign of letting go, until King intervened as he didn't know what was going on," said Pennant on Instagram. "But the minute he did he fought the dog off and saved what could've been a horrendous situation for me."
"King was unhurt with a little nip on his leg, but had blood covered all over him. At this point I forgot the agony I was in, and my heart sank, but it wasn't King's."
Pennant also thanked his partner Mimmi Montgomery for looking after them. "My hero still protecting me and trying to look after me. King you're a legend, love you, man's best friend. Thanks Mimmi Montgomery for taking care of us both."
During his playing career, the former winger made 231 Premier League appearances before retiring in 2018.
