Ex Premier League player Jermaine Pennant saved by his dog after being attacked by German Shepherd

Football ace Jermaine Pennant has recalled the horror moment when he was attacked by a German Shepherd who latched onto his leg.

On Sunday, the former Premier League player paid tribute to his own dog, King, for protecting him during the incident - which took place in north London.

Pennant posted a picture on Instagram of him and King on the sofa, which showed the footballer’s leg wrapped in a bandage. It has been reported that the 43-year-old needed more than 50 stitches after being bitten four times.

Jermaine Pennant ‘attacked by a German Shepherd’

“So I was attacked by a German Shepherd,” he captioned the post. “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.”

Pennant said the minute his dog “fought off” the German Shepherd he spotted he had blood on his fur.

“King was unhurt with a little nip on his leg, but had blood covered all over him which wasn’t mine,” he added.

“At this point I forgot all the agony I was in and my heart sank, but it wasn’t Kings’ [blood].”

Pennant did not provide any details on the German Shepherd and said he has not reported the attack to police.

On Instagram, he described King as a “legend” and thanked TV journalist Mimmi Montgomery for “taking care” of the two of them.

‘What a hero he is’

At the time of writing, the Instagram post has attracted almost 17,000 likes and hundreds of comments – as fans rushed to wish the retired footballer a speedy recovery.

“Dogs are everything – what an amazing boyo you have,” one person wrote. “Sending healing and love to you.”

Another penned: “What a hero he is. Rest up J,” while a third said: “Hope you’re on the mend, mate – good job you have such a protective mate at your side.”

Since going public about the attack, Pennant has posted several Instagram stories, including one of his dog captioned “Long live the King”.

Pennant, who is now a pundit for Talksport, made 231 Premier League appearances in his 19-year career before choosing to retire in 2018.

At the age of 15, before making his professional debut, Pennant became the most expensive trainee in English football when he joined Arsenal from Notts County in a £2.5 million deal.