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Over five years has now passed since Michael Schumacher's tragic ski accident in the French Alps.

The F1 legend was left in a coma after suffering a traumatic brain injury on December 29, 2013.

Schumacher's health status is reasonably unknown, with updates rare as the Schumacher family look to maintain privacy for the Ferrari icon.

His wife provided a rare statement on the eve of his 50th birthday, which took place on January 3, 2019.

But no update was officially given on his condition, though Schumacher's team appear to have taken steps towards keeping his legion of fans up to date, as well as celebrating his life and achievements with the news of an official app being released.

It has been suggested that his personal health care bills have exceeded £20million, due to being looked after at home.

Here is what we know about Schumacher's condition up to now...

(Image: Getty)

What happened?

Schumacher was holidaying with friends and family in the French Alps when he suffered a 'severe head injury' while skiing on 29 December 2013.

He was airlifted to Grenoble Hospital requiring 'immediate neurosurgical intervention' and underwent two life-saving operations.

Schumacher remained in a coma, with doctors describing his condition as 'extremely serious' the day after his admission.

It is thought he would have died if he had not been wearing a ski helmet.

What did we learn afterwards?

News became scarce after the immediate aftermath of the accident, with the Schumacher family's next statement coming in April 2014.

They said the former F1 champ had shown 'moments of consciousness and awakening'.

Three months followed before it was released that Schumacher was no longer in a coma and had left Grenoble Hospital.

It was confirmed three months after that that Schumacher had been transferred from Lausanne Hospital to the family home on the shores of Lake Geneva.

(Image: Getty) (Image: Reuters)

The statement read: "Henceforth, Michael's rehabilitation will take place at his home.

"Considering the severe head injuries he suffered, progress has been made in the past weeks and months.

"There is still, however, a long and difficult road ahead."

In 2015, Schumacher's manager said his condition was improving "considering the severeness of the injury he had."

A year later, the German's lawyer told a court that his client "cannot walk".

Schumacher 'admitted to Paris hospital for stem cell treatment'

Schumacher was secretly admitted to a Paris hospital in September 2018 for treatment with a pioneering French surgeon.

According to Le Parisien, Schumacher was taken to the Pompidou hospital in southwest Paris on Monday afternoon.

Schumacher originally arrived in a blue and yellow ambulance registered in Geneva at approximately 3:40pm.

It's claimed the former Ferrari driver was set to undergo treatment based on stem-cell transfusion by French surgeon Philippe Menasche, having arrived at the Continuous Monitoring Unit of the Cardiovascular Surgery Department.

The 69-year-old medic is best known for performing the world’s first embryonic cell transplant on a patient with heart failure in 2014 and specialises in stem cell research.

What's the latest and where is Michael Schumacher now?

On the eve of the 2018 F1 season, with the seven-time champion very much in people's minds once again, Schumacher's manager Sabine Kehm shared a small insight into the family's feelings .

“What can be said is that the family really appreciates the empathy of the fans,” she said.

“The people really do see and understand (his health situation) is not to be shared in the public eye.”

After first being treated at Grenoble Hospital, then having rehabilitation at Lausanne's University Hospital, Schumacher has been at his home in Geneva, where a special medical facility has been built for his rehabilitation and treatment.

It is reported he is looked after by a 15-strong medical team, with his care costing £115,000 per week.

(Image: Getty Images)

"Close relatives" have reportedly spoken with the French magazine 'Paris Match' and given a brief insight into the 49-year-old's current well-being.

The magazine has quoted one relative as saying: "When you put him in his wheelchair facing the beautiful panorama of the mountains overlooking the lake, Michael sometimes cries."

They say that family members are encouraging that Formula One legend Schumacher is still showing emotions.

Former Ferrari boss Jean Todt told The Times he sees the ex-champ about twice a month.

"I love Michael. I see his family. I wish the situation would be different," he said.

What we know about Schumacher's condition since the accident

The first pictures of Schumacher since the accident were touted around European media outlets for £1million in December 2016, with police launching an investigation in to how the photographs were taken from the German's home in Geneva, Switzerland.

Sabine Kehm, Schumacher's manager, said there were no plans to release a statement with an update on the 47-year-old's current plight.

"Michael's health is not a public issue, and so we will continue to make no comment in that regard," Kehm said.

"We have to protect his intimate sphere. Legally seen and in the longer term, every statement related to his health would diminish the extent of his intimate sphere."

Friends' hopes

(Image: Getty)

Speaking in November 2016, Ross Brawn revealed that family and friends of Schumacher are still holding out hope they will see the F1 legend 'as we knew him'.

“We go see him and hope and pray that one day he will make a recovery. I was quoted as saying he’s improving and it was not what I really meant," Brawn told the Guardian .

"The family are conducting his convalescence in private and I need to respect that.

"So I don’t want to comment on his condition beyond saying we’re extremely hopeful we’ll see Michael as we knew him at some point in the future.”

In November 2017, it was reported the former Ferrari great's loved ones are holding out hope Schumacher is "sending signals from his distant world," according to German magazine Bunte.

He cannot walk

In 2017, Schumacher's lawyer outlined his client's injuries in court after an article in German magazine Bunte claimed the 47-year-old could walk again.

A Hamburg court later ruled Bunte must pay Schumacher €50,000 for the false claims.

(Image: AFP)

Felix Damm said simply: "He cannot walk," adding Schumacher is unable to stand even with the assistance of therapists.

Bunte's report featured a comment from an unnamed friend of Schumacher's, who said: "Michael is very thin. But he can once again walk a little with the help of his therapists.

"He manages to make a couple of steps. And he can also raise an arm."

Kehm also rejected the claims of the magazine, saying: "Unfortunately, we are forced by a recent press report to clarify that the assertion that Michael could move again is not true," Kehm said.

"Such speculation is irresponsible, because given the seriousness of his injuries, his privacy is very important for Michael.

"Unfortunately they also give false hopes to many involved people."

(Image: Getty Images Europe)

Schumacher being treated in the United States?

In reports in September 2017, it was claimed Schumacher could be moved to the US for specialist treatment.

German magazine Bravo claimed relatives were considering a move to the States, where Schumacher owns a cattle ranch in Dallas, Texas.

It is hoped a nearby brain specialist, Dr Mark Meeks, could offer a breakthrough.

Dr Meeks said: "We have extensive experience with trauma patients.

"There is probably no clinic in Europe that handles as many cases as we do."

Fighting fit?

A family friend has revealed how his toned physique may be aiding him and that he is doing "well in the circumstances."

The source added that "Corinna and the children hope to this day that a medical miracle happens."

(Image: AFP)

The cost of care

On the fourth anniversary of the crash, it was reported his home care bills had passed £20m.

But Professor Mark Oberman from the Centre for Neurology of the Asklepios Clinic gave the German and his family hope.

"According to a Swedish study, between 30 and 40 percent of patients have regained consciousness within four years," he said.

"Many can come back to life and see how their children and grandchildren grow up, what plans they have or what else happens in the family or circle of friends."

What have his family said?

(Image: REUTERS)

Mick Schumacher has also gone into motor racing, and is progressing through the Formulas.

In April 2017 he revealed his dad is his inspiration. He said: "My role model is my dad. Simply because he is the best - my idol."

In August 2017 he marked the 25th anniversary of his father's first F1 win by driving the Benetton car Schumi drove to victory in the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa in 1992.

Mick's sister Gina-Maria paid tribute to their parents as she collected an award for her western riding achievements at the Audi Generation Awards in December 2017.

(Image: Splash News)

The two-time world champion and European champion puts her success down to the support of her parents.

"I would like to thank the jury, but especially my parents for the love they give me every day,” she said, after revealing she used to go karting with her legendary father but chose a different career path because “horses are better”. The family own ranches in Texas and Switzerland, and Corinna was a European champion in Western riding too.

His manager Sabine Kehm recently passed on a message on behalf of the family , saying: “What can be said is that the family really appreciates the empathy of the fans.

“The people really do see and understand (his health situation) is not to be shared in the public eye.”

F1 fans are also still keeping Schumacher close in their thoughts - with the official Ferrari supporters club unfurling a massive 30-metre long banner at pre-season testing in Spain ahead of the 2018 season.

Why his condition has been kept secret

Speaking at a meeting of media professionals back in March 2016, Schumacher’s manager Sabine Kehm lifted the lid on why.

The comments have just come into the public domain - and reveal why she has never released any information about the F1 legend’s condition.

"In general the media have never reported on Michael and Corinna's private live," she said.

(Image: Daily Mirror)

"When he was in Switzerland, for example, it was clear he was a private individual.

"Once in a long discussion Michael said to me: 'You don't need to call me for the next year, I'm disappearing.'

"I think it was his secret dream to be able to do that some day.

"That's why now I still want to protect his wishes in that I don't let anything get out."

Schumacher 'to move to £27m luxury house in Mallorca' once owned by Real Madrid president

Michael Schumacher will reportedly be moved to a luxury home once owned by Real Madrid president Florentino Perez.

Schumacher currently lives in the Swiss town of Gland with his family but is expected to move to Mallorca shortly.

The property is valued at €30million (£27m) and has a main residence of 3,000 square metres and includes two large gardens and two swimming pools.

There is also believed to be enough room to land a helicopter.

"I can confirm officially that Michael Schumacher will come to settle in our town and that everything is being prepared here to receive it," village mayor Katia Rouarch told Swiss magazine L'Illustre.

This story was later denied.

Lewis Hamilton tips Schumacher's son Mick for F1 success

Lewis Hamilton has tipped Schumacher's son Mick to star in F1 in the near future.

Mick, 19, has claimed eight victories, 14 podiums and the F3 European title this year.

Hamilton said the youngster would be “100%” be in F1 very soon.

The current champ added: “Michael is named the greatest driver of all time, he’s got the most titles.

“So there will 100% be a Schumacher back in Formula 1, partly because of the name, but secondly because he’s doing a great job.

“He’s obviously got a lot of talent as his Dad had, just like Keke and Nico (Rosberg), just like when Fernando has kids I’m sure an Alonso will be here again."

Hamilton said he had been impressed by Mick's attitude and ability.

“He’s doing a really great job and he’s a really great kid as well.

“He’s been a part of our team a couple of weekends, I think it was last year, and he’s very attentive.

“He’s got a great talent as his dad had so I don’t think it will be a burden in my personal opinion. I think it could be great for the sport.”

A new poster is released to celebrate Schumacher

Michael Schumacher's manager Sabine Kehm has paid a glowing tribute to a new poster that celebrates the great German driver.

The image depicts Schumacher is the Ferrari he first drove to F1 glory back in 2000 - his third of seven crowns - and is intended to raise funds for his Keep Fighting Foundation, who will receive money from each print sold by ZOOM.

"This is a stunning way to celebrate Michael's iconic career and by the way a very beautiful poster," said Kehm, in a rare statement.

(Image: Keep Fighting)

"We are delighted to be partnering with ZOOM to raise money for the Keep Fighting Foundation."

For more information on the poster, read the full story here .

Friend of Mick provides update

Schumacher’s condition ‘remains a mystery’ to even the closest friends of his son Mick.

That is the claim made by Ferrari Challenge race Nicklas Nielsen.

Speaking to Danish newspaper BT , Nicklas paid tribute to Mick whom he revealed does find things ‘hard’.

Todt reveals he did with Schumacher on 2018 visit

Schumacher's old Ferrari boss Jean Todt has revealed that he watched Lewis Hamilton win his fifth world title during his last visit to see the German.

Todt was at Schumacher's house and sat alongside him while the race was on TV.

Todt, 72, said: "I'm always careful with such statements, but it is true. I watched the race together with Michael Schumacher in his house in Switzerland."

Schumacher 'often cries tears at natural beauty'

Close relatives have reportedly spoken with French magazine 'Paris Match' and given a brief insight into the his well-being.

They say that family members are encouraging that Formula One legend Schumacher is still showing emotions.

And the magazine has quoted one relative as saying: "When you put him in his wheelchair facing the beautiful panorama of the mountains overlooking the lake, Michael sometimes cries."

Mick's warning over fake Schumacher pictures

Schumacher's son Mick took to social media in February 2019 to blast photographs of his father.

Mick, 19, currently races in F2 and was forced to respond after images emerged allegedly showing him and sister Gina as kids with their father.

He posted: "These photos are often published because they supposedly show me as a child with my father.

“To clarify: these pictures here do NOT show me, and neither do they show Gina.

“I'm sorry for the people in these photos. I can only appeal to all media to remove them from their archives.”

Schumacher ‘seen’ for first time since horror ski crash

The Formula 1 icon has reportedly been spending more time at his family's luxury £26million villa in Majorca.

Neighbours told Bunte that Schumacher has been spotted at their luxury Spanish villa, arriving by helicopter at the picturesque Port d’Andratx on the Spanish island.

Their Villa Yasmin, a plush complex that previously belonged to Real Madrid chief Florentino Perez, boasts two swimming pools, a large garden, a helipad and picturesque views of the sea.

Bunte say that the family celebrated the festive period and enjoyed their winter holiday at the property they bought last year - opting for a spot of sunshine rather than remain at their Switzerland home.