EX-PREMIER LEAGUE STAR NEEDS 50 STITCHES AFTER GERMAN SHEPHERD ATTACK

Former Premier League footballer Jermaine Pennant has revealed that he needed more than 50 stitches after a German Shepherd attacked him while he was walking his two dogs in north London.

The 43-year-old former Liverpool and Stoke City winger said the incident happened last week as he tried to protect his dog, King.

According to Pennant, the German Shepherd bit his right leg and refused to release its grip, leaving him on the ground. King then intervened and helped fight off the attacking animal.

Pennant suffered four bite wounds and received hospital treatment. King escaped with a small bite and was otherwise unharmed.

Recalling the frightening encounter, Pennant said he initially feared his dog had been seriously injured after seeing blood on him, before realising the blood was his own.

He later posted a photograph on Instagram showing his bandaged leg, with King resting beside him on a sofa. Pennant described his dog as his “hero” and thanked his partner, Mimmi Montgomery, for looking after them both.

The former footballer said he chose not to report the incident to police. He did not share further details about the German Shepherd or its owner.

Pennant made 231 Premier League appearances during a 19-year playing career before retiring in 2018. He played for clubs including Arsenal, Liverpool and Stoke City before moving into punditry with TalkSPORT.

He first made headlines in 1999 when Arsenal signed him from Notts County for £2.5 million at just 15, making him the most expensive trainee in English football at the time.