Former Premier League Winger Jermaine Pennant Attacked by Dog in North London
The former Arsenal and Liverpool player required over 50 stitches after being bitten by a German shepherd while walking his own dog.
Former Premier League star Jermaine Pennant required more than 50 stitches after he was attacked by a dog in north London. The 43-year-old former winger, who played for clubs including Arsenal and Liverpool during his career, sustained four bite wounds on his right leg during the incident.
Pennant stated that the ordeal began when he was walking his American akita named King and they were approached by a German shepherd. According to the former footballer, the other dog targeted King, prompting him to intervene to protect his pet.
"The other dog had a go at King, so I stepped in to protect him," Pennant said. "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."
Pennant credited his own dog with saving his life during the aggressive encounter. He explained that King jumped in to defend him, fighting the other animal and standing faithfully by his side until help arrived.
"He saved my life. If King had been a smaller dog, there would have been no chance," Pennant remarked, adding that King emerged from the scuffle largely unharmed except for a small bite on his paw.
Following the attack, Pennant's girlfriend arranged a taxi to take him to the hospital, where he spent Friday night receiving medical treatment. Due to the severity of the injuries on his right leg, he may require plastic surgery.
Despite the seriousness of the attack, Pennant has chosen not to report the incident to the police. Reflecting on the situation, he stated, "It's just one of those things. I'm fine, the dog's fine. It's all good."
Pennant retired from professional football in 2017 after a lengthy career that included stints with Notts County, Leeds United, Birmingham City, Portsmouth, Real Zaragoza, and Stoke City. He now works as a pundit on Talksport.