The family of Formula 1 legend Michael Schumacher have given their thanks to German football clubs FC Koln and Schalke 04 for paying tribute to the seven-time champion.
The 45-year-old has been in hospital in Grenoble, France since hitting his head on a rock while skiing off-piste in the French Alps on December 29.
Before Koln and Schalke's friendly last Saturday, banners were displayed reading: "Get well soon! You can do it, Michael!"
A statement from the sportsman's family via his official website read: "We are deeply touched by all the messages to get well soon for Michael which still are being sent. That gives us strength. Thank you all so much.
"Thank you to the fan club in Kerpen, to FC Cologne and Schalke 04, but also to everybody else and other fan groups who are supporting Michael. We all know, he is a fighter and will not give up."
The most recent statement from the University Hospital came last week, in which Schumacher's management claimed that he was in a stable condition.
Danielle Joynson
