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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Robert Hynes

Michael Schumacher health update nine years after release from hospital

It is now nine years since Michael Schumacher was released from hospital after suffering life-changing injuries while skiing in the French Alps.

The Formula 1 legend was skiing off-piste with his son Mick when the accident happened in December 2013.

Updates on his health have been rare since, with Friday marking nine years to the day since he was released from a Grenoble hospital.

READ MORE: Michael Schumacher "completely different" to public perception, says former F1 colleague

Speaking earlier this year, Dublin native and former team owner Eddie Jordan said the racing great is "there but he's not there".

He added that his wife Corrina is "like a prisoner" saying: "This was the most horrific situation for [son] Mick and Corinna. It's been nearly ten years now and Corinna has not been able to go to a party, to lunch or this or that. She's like a prisoner because everyone would want to talk to her about Michael when she doesn't need reminding of it every minute."

Schumacher, 54, was airlifted to hospital and had to undergo two surgeries as he was placed in a medically induced coma for six months to help reduce the swelling of his brain.

He was eventually moved to another hospital after coming out of his coma in 2014 and after 250 days was allowed to return to his Lake Geneva home.

Little is known about his current condition and his former boss at Ferrari called for privacy as he revealed he still sees Schumacher.

Jean Todt said: "Let's leave him alone. We respect the privacy wishes of Corinna and her children, although we know of course that the accident had consequences. But anyone who says he knows something, knows nothing. I always go to see him. He and his family are my family."

Back in September 2020, Todt spoke to PA about his good friend and insisted he is "fighting".

Michael Schumacher came out of retirement to race for Mercedes (PA)

He said: "I saw Michael last week. He is fighting.

"My God, we know he had a terrible and unfortunate skiing accident which has caused him a lot of problems. But he has an amazing wife next to him, he has his kids, his nurses, and we can only wish him the best and to wish the family the best, too.

"All I can do is to be close to them until I am able to do something, and then I will do it."

Around a week later leading neurosurgeon Erich Riederer offered his prognosis on Schumacher's condition in a documentary on French TV channel TMC.

He explained the German is likely in a "vegetative state" and not responding to his family.

"I think he's in a vegetative state, which means he's awake but not responding," he said. "He is breathing, his heart is beating, he can probably sit up and take baby steps with help, but no more.

"I think that's the maximum for him. Is there any chance of seeing him like he was before his accident? I really don't think so."

According to Schumacher's wife Corinna, updates on the F1 star's condition have been few and far between at her husband's own request.

But there has been confirmation that Schumacher is still receiving treatment in the hope that he can one day return to a more normal life.

Todt previously told Ouest France: "I am very discreet on this subject. We all know that Michael had a very serious accident and, unfortunately, it had significant consequences for him.

"Since then, he has been treated so that he can be able to return to a more normal life."

While Schumacher continues on the road to recovery, only select people are allowed to see him.

Michael Schumacher in 2012. ((Photo by Vladimir Rys/Getty Images))

Luca Badoer, a former colleague of Schumacher's at Ferrari, said only his wife chooses who is allowed to visit.

He said: “Only a few people are allowed to visit Schumacher.

"His wife Corinna decides who is allowed to see him.”

Schumacher's wife Corinna now cares for him and fiercely protects his privacy (AFP via Getty Images)

According to Schumacher’s former manager Willi Weber, Corinna has denied requests of a visit.

Speaking on an RTL special commemorating his maiden title win, he said: “I know that Michael has been badly hurt, but unfortunately not what progress he makes in rehab.

"I'd like to know how he's doing and shake hands or stroke his face. But unfortunately this is rejected by Corinna.

“She probably fears that I will immediately recognise what is going on and make the truth public.”

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