The German Shepherd reportedly clamped down on his leg and would not release its grip as Pennant desperately tried to shield his American Akita

Former Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant has spoken of a harrowing experience in which he was mauled by a German Shepherd, requiring 50 stitches after his own dog stepped in to rescue him.

The 43 year old was out walking his two dogs in North London last week when the incident unfolded. The German Shepherd reportedly clamped down on his leg and would not release its grip as Pennant desperately tried to shield his American Akita, King.

King ultimately intervened and drove off the attacking dog, but not before the former Red was left requiring hospital treatment. Pennant has since revealed he may need plastic surgery on one of the wounds and is currently under medical supervision while receiving treatment.

Taking to Instagram following the ordeal, Pennant 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 attack left him nursing four bite wounds on his right leg, with his girlfriend Mimmi Montgomery booking him a taxi to take him to A&E where medical staff attended to his injuries.

After sharing the news online, Pennant discussed the incident while broadcasting Liverpool's 2-0 victory against Brighton and Hove Albion. When Florian Wirtz's shot ricocheted off Pascal Gross, the 43 year old revealed 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."

Following Alexander Isak's second strike, he continued: "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."