The former Liverpool and Arsenal midfielder Jermaine Pennant was attacked by a German Shepherd while walking in a park in north London. The 43-year-old received 50 stitches, while his Akita dog came to his aid and managed to drive off the attacking animal.
The incident took place last week, when Pennant was walking his two dogs. At one point, a German Shepherd lunged at them and bit him on the leg, holding on for several moments. The former footballer’s dog, King, an Akita, intervened to help him, confronted the German Shepherd and managed to drive it away, averting even more serious consequences.
Pennant ended up with 50 stitches, while his dog escaped without serious injury, apart from a small bite on its paw. In an Instagram post, the former footballer described the frightening moments and said how his dog came to his defence.
“I tried to protect King, but the dog bit me on the leg. I ended up on the ground, with the animal clamped onto me and no intention of letting go.
King intervened as soon as he understood what was happening. He faced the other dog and prevented the worst. King was unhurt, apart from a small bite on his paw, but he was covered in blood that wasn’t mine.
In that moment I forgot the intense pain I was feeling. My heart sank, but thankfully the blood wasn’t King’s”, Pennant wrote.
The English midfielder, who during his career played for well-known clubs including Liverpool and Arsenal, retired from football in 2018.
