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Schumacher 'fighting for his life'

F1 legend Michael Schumacher is fighting for his life in a hospital in France following a horror skiing accident
 
The seven time world champion, who retired from F1 for the second time in 2012, sustained a head injury while skiing off-piste at the Meribel ski resort on December 29 2013.

Early reports suggested the veteran driver's injuries were not serious, despite him striking a rock with his helmeted head.

'STATE OF HEALTH HAS WORSENED'

The university hospital in Grenoble said in a statement: "He suffered a severe head injury with coma on arrival, which required immediate neurosurgical intervention. He remains in a critical situation."

Schumacher's manager Sabine Kehm confirmed the hospital's statement.

Citing hospital sources,French newspaper Dauphine Libere reported that: "His state of health has worsened and his condition is considered life-threatening, according to our information."

Reports state that Schumacher suffered a brain haemorrhage despite initially regaining consciousness after the fall.

Chris Chandler, a London neurosurgeon, is quoted by the Guardian stating: "The fact that they undertook something almost immediately, that he was admitted to the surgical unit, suggests that something very serious has happened."

Professor Gerard Saillant, a close friend of Schumacher who treated his broken leg in 1999, rushed from Paris to assist with the treatment.

TRIBUTES POUR IN

It is reported that Schumacher, who was skiing with his 14-year-old son Mick, is now surrounded by his family, while close friends Ross Brawn and Jean Todt are also at the hospital in Grenoble.

Former F1 driver Olivier Panis, a local, was reportedly turned away when he tried to visit Schumacher.

Tributes and well-wishes for Schumacher, a global sporting legend, have poured in, and his personal website has crashed under the demand for information.

A hospital spokesman was quoted by the Daily Mail: "A security cordon has been placed around certain areas. Extra officers have been drafted in."

As news of the accident spread, F1 drivers used social media to wish Schumacher a quick recovery.

His former Ferrari team mate Felipe Massa, who himself recovered from life-threatening head injuries sustained at the Hungarian Grand Prix in 2009, wrote on Instagram: "I am praying for you my brother!! I hope you have a quick recovery!! God bless you Michael."

'OUR THOUGHTS ARE WITH SCHUMACHER'

McLaren's Jenson Button posted that his "thoughts are with Michael Schumacher at this tough time. ... Michael more than anyone has the strength to pull through this."

Romain Grosjean of Lotus tweeted: "All our thoughts to Schumi and his family! Hope you will recover soon #legend #Schumi."

Support also came from leading German sports personalities, ranging from the NBA to soccer.

Dallas Mavericks power forward Dirk Nowitzki said his thoughts were with Schumacher, while Lukas Podolski, who plays for Arsenal in the English Premier League, tweeted: "Bad news from Switzerland: please get well soon, Michael Schumacher. All the best for you, my friend! #getwellsoon #MichaelSchumacher."

Boris Becker, the retired tennis champion now working with Novak Djokovic, posted: "Let us all pray for @realschumacher michael for a full and speedy recovery!!!"

We look back on the champion's F1 career!

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