The ex-Liverpool and Arsenal winger has shared details of a terrifying German Shepherd attack that left him hospitalised and needing 50 stitches — with his own dog King saving his life

Former Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant has spoken of a harrowing experience in which he was mauled by a German Shepherd, requiring 50 stitches. The 43 year old has credited his own dog with saving his life during the shocking incident.

Pennant was out walking his two dogs in North London last week when the attack occurred, according to BBC Sport. The German Shepherd reportedly clamped onto his leg and refused to release its grip as he desperately attempted to shield his American Akita, King.

King stepped in and fought off the attacking dog, but the ordeal left the former Red requiring hospitalisation. Pennant has since acknowledged that he may need plastic surgery on one of the wounds, and will remain under medical supervision while receiving treatment.

Taking to Instagram, he wrote: "So I was attacked by a German Shepherd, 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.

"But the minute he did he fought the dog off and saved what could've been an horrendous situation for me. King was unhurt with a little nip on his leg, but had blood covered all over him which wasn't mine, at this point I forgot the agony I was in, and my heart sank, but it wasn't King's," reports the Mirror.

"My hero still protecting me and trying to look after me, KING you're a legend love you, man's best friend, thanks @‌mimmimontgomery for taking care of us both."

The incident left him with four bite wounds on his right leg, after his girlfriend Mimmi Montgomery arranged a taxi to rush him to A&E, where he received treatment for his injuries.

Following his social media post, Pennant addressed the matter during a live-stream of Liverpool's 2-0 victory over Brighton and Hove Albion. After Florian Wirtz's effort deflected off Pascal Gross, the 43 year old proudly displayed his bandaged leg while celebrating the Reds' opening goal.

He said: "It's been an interesting week but it's good to be back, hopefully to make it better Liverpool can get three points."

Shortly after Alexander Isak netted a second, he added: "I had a bad week, terrible week, got attacked by a dog but this is a remedy, this is the remedy, come on Liverpool."

During an interaction with the comments section, Pennant said: "The leg is okay, thanks for asking, it's a lot better, got to take the antibiotics and all that but it's okay.

"Friday night I got attacked by a German Shepherd, thankfully my dog was there to save the day. My partner rushed me to AandE, then went home; thankfully, my dog was unscathed.

"May need plastic surgery for one of the wounds. All good, all good though."