Lukas Podolski welcomes Michael Schumacher news

Lukas Podolski has said that the Germany squad wishes Michael Schumacher's family "a lot of strength" following news that he is no longer in a coma.

The seven-time Formula 1 world champion's manager confirmed that he has left the intensive care unit in Grenoble over five months after sustaining a head injury during a skiing accident.

At a press conference, the Arsenal striker said: "I'd like to greet a good friend, who unfortunately is unable to be here. He is Michael Schumacher.

"He is just as crazy about football as all of us. We wish his family a lot of strength. If we win the title, that would be something that would make him happy."

The 45-year-old retired from F1 for the second time at the end of the 2012 season.