Michael Schumacher's wife pleads for journalists to stay away

[News_Editor]

GRENOBLE, FRANCE (BNO NEWS) -- The wife of retired German racing driver Michael Schumacher, who remains in a critical but stable condition after a skiing accident late last month, appealed for privacy on Tuesday, urging reporters to stay away from the French hospital and to leave her family alone.

"Please support us in our shared fight with Michael. It is important to me that you take the pressure off the doctors and the hospital so that they can work in peace," said Corinna Schumacher, who married the Formula One legend in August 1995. The couple, which is known to dislike the celebrity spotlight, has two children.

Corinna added: "Please have faith in their statements and leave the hospital. Please also leave our family in peace."

The statement came just a day after doctors at University Hospital in Grenoble said Schumacher's condition was considered to be critical but stable. They added that they would no longer hold press conferences or issue press releases for "the time being," although the racing legend's spokeswoman later rejected news reports that had claimed Schumacher's condition was no longer life-threatening.

Schumacher suffered serious head injuries on December 29 when he fell and hit a rock while skiing with his family on the slopes of the French Alps in Meribel. He has since undergone two brain operations and remains in a medically-induced coma in critical but stable condition, although doctors have refused to give a prognosis.

Around 100 fans traveled to University Hospital last Friday to mark the Formula One legend's 45th birthday, projecting onto the side of the hospital building a message that read: "45. Schumi, stay strong! Keep fighting!" Some of the fans had traveled hours to show their support to the family.

In responses, Schumacher's family issued a brief statement that said: "The incredible sympathies shown today by the Ferrari Fans outside the hospital has utterly overwhelmed us and moved us all to tears. We are deeply grateful for it and also for all the heartwarming and heartfelt wishes for Michael to get well soon, which have reached us from all over the world."

Schumacher, with 90 wins, 68 pole positions, 75 fastest laps, 1354 points and seven world titles, is regarded by many as the greatest Formula One driver of all time. He first retired after winning the 2006 Italian Grand Prix but returned to Formula One in February 2010, only to retire for a second time after finishing in 14th position at the Brazilian Grand Prix in November 2012.

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