Former Premier League footballer Jermaine Pennant has been left needing more than 50 stitches after being viciously attacked by a dog.
The former Liverpool winger had been walking his own dog, an American Akita named King, when he was pounced on by a German Shepherd.
Pennant said he stepped in to protect King after the other dog attacked him, only for the footballer to become the target himself.
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He told The Sun: “It was really scary. The other dog had a go at King, so I stepped in to protect him.
“The next thing I know, it was attacking me. I was on the floor and it was on my leg for at least five seconds.
“I felt this huge pressure. Imagine the force of a dog bite. King jumped in to protect me.”
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Pennant was treated for four bite wounds on his leg and was told he may need surgery for one particularly large wound.
The former footballer spent the night in hospital following the attack, with his dog King also sustaining a minor injury.
Pennant later credited his pet with helping to protect him during the frightening incident.
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The 43-year-old enjoyed a lengthy professional football career, playing for a number of clubs in England and abroad.
He began his career at Notts County before joining Arsenal as a teenager in 1999. He later had spells with Watford, Leeds United and Birmingham City before signing for Liverpool in 2006.
During his time at Anfield, Pennant made 81 appearances across all competitions and was part of the Liverpool side that reached the 2007 Champions League final, where they lost 2-1 to AC Milan.
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He subsequently played for Portsmouth, Spanish side Real Zaragoza and Stoke City, among other clubs, before retiring from professional football in 2018.
Pennant also represented England at under-21 level but never earned a senior international cap.
