Michael Schumacher's former manager has spoken out after reports that the Formula One icon was seen in public for the first time in over a decade,
In 2013, legendary Formula One driver Schumacher was involved in a tragic life-altering skiing crash that left him in a coma for several months.
Details of the 55 year old's condition after the crash are scarce, but recent reports claimed that he made his first public appearance since the incident last weekend as he attended the wedding of his daughter Gina-Maria in Majorca.
And now, Schumacher's ex-manager from his racing days has spoken about the public appearance and where his relationship with the F1 icon currently stands.
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Willi Weber managed Schumacher's manager when he first entered Formula 1 in 1991 and remained extremely close with the German driver until 2010 when the pair fell out over Schumacher's comeback with Mercedes.
"I have had no contact with the family for over ten years, I can barely remember what even happened," Weber confirmed to German outlet Bild.
"I was not invited to the wedding, but I would not have gone anyway because my health is not good at the moment. I would not have wanted to fly to Mallorca.
"Michael was one of my best friends. More like a son that I never had.
"Nobody knows exactly what's going on with him today, so I don't want to comment any further."
The 82-year-old then reflected on his time with Schumacher and confessed he believes that he did not do enough after hearing about his close friend's tragic accident.
He added: "I'm thinking about my successes with Michael - our goals and our victories. I remember Michael the way he was. And we probably won't see each other again.
"It was my fault that I didn't visit Michael after the accident and stand by him. Because I thought the media reports were exaggerated.
"I thought I'd better wait a few days and then everything would be fine. But it was too late. For a long time I blamed myself for not reacting immediately," Weber admitted
"Since then, I've said goodbye to Michael in my heart in order to find my peace again."
Topics: Michael Schumacher, Formula 1
Ben McCrum