Ex-footballer Jermaine Pennant was hospitalised after being mauled by a dog.

The former Arsenal player needed more than 50 stitches in his leg after a German Shepherd repeatedly bit him while protecting his American Akita, King, who had jumped to save his owner's life during the incident in North London, when both dogs were off their leads.

Jermaine, 43, told The Sun: "It was really scary. The other dog had a go at King, so I stepped in to protect him.

"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.

"I felt this huge pressure. Imagine the force of a dog bite.

"King jumped in to protect me.

"The two dogs were really going at it, and then King stood by my side until help arrived.

"He saved my life. If King had been a smaller dog, there would have been no chance."

The ex-Liverpool right winger's girlfriend, Mimmi Montgomery, quickly arranged for an Uber to take him to Accident and Emergency (A+E), where he was treated for four large bite wounds on his right leg.

Doctors told Jermaine, who spent Friday night in hospital (23.10.26), that he may need plastic surgery to repair one of his big wounds.

The star did not report the incident to police.

He explained: "It’s just one of those things.

"I’m fine, the dog’s fine. It’s all good."

Jermaine began his football career as a youth player at Notts County before joining Arsenal in 1999 at the age of 15, making his senior debut at the club at just 16.

He won the FA Cup with Arsenal in 2005 before moving to Liverpool in 2006, where he helped the team reach the UEFA Champions League final the following year, but they lost 2-1 to AC Milan.

Jermaine represented England at Under-21 level, earning 24 caps.

After spells at other clubs, including Stoke City, Wigan Athletic, Real Zaragoza and Tampines Rovers, he finished his playing career at non-league club Billericay Town.

Jermaine announced his retirement from professional football in February 2018 at the age of 35.