Former Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant has revealed that he was attacked by a German Shepherd while attempting to protect his own dog, King, leaving him with painful injuries.
The 43-year-old, who retired from professional football in 2017, shared details of the frightening incident on social media. Pennant enjoyed a varied career, having risen to prominence as a teenager before making his mark at several clubs, including Liverpool.
Pennant became Britain’s most expensive teenage footballer when Arsenal signed him from Notts County at the age of 15. During his time with the Gunners, he made 12 appearances before moving to Birmingham City and eventually joining Liverpool for a three-year spell.
One of the highlights of his career came in 2007, when he featured for Liverpool in the Champions League final against AC Milan in Athens. Following his departure from Anfield, he continued his career overseas, playing for clubs including Real Zaragoza and Pune City.
However, the former winger has now revealed a terrifying experience involving a German Shepherd.
Explaining what happened in an Instagram post, Pennant said he tried to shield his dog, King, from the attacking animal. Unfortunately, the German Shepherd managed to bite his leg, knocking him to the ground while refusing to release its grip.
Pennant explained that King eventually intervened, fighting off the attacking dog and potentially preventing the situation from becoming much worse.
Although King escaped with only a minor bite to his leg, Pennant said seeing blood covering his beloved pet left him deeply distressed. He later realised that the blood was not King’s, bringing him some relief despite the pain he was experiencing.
The former Liverpool player did not disclose exactly when or where the attack occurred. However, he expressed gratitude to King and a close friend following the frightening ordeal.
Meanwhile, Pennant has previously attracted attention for reasons unrelated to football.
Last year, reports emerged about his former property in Hale, Cheshire, which had reportedly remained unoccupied for several years following his separation from partner Alice Goodwin.
The detached mansion was purchased by Pennant in 2006 for slightly more than £1 million. After being left empty from 2020, the property was reportedly taken over by a drugs gang and converted into a cannabis farm. It subsequently suffered two fires within the same month.
The house has since been purchased and extensively renovated by Steve Leonard, who has connections to Liverpool FC.
Reflecting on the property’s condition after the purchase, Leonard described the extensive mess and damage he encountered before celebrating the successful completion of the acquisition with his partner, Tina.
