Michael Schumacher health news and update: Italian priest describes F1 champ as a 'fighter' and a believer of God as family continues to ask for privacy

Featured in the image is Formula One racer Michael Schumacher Wikimedia Commons/Mark McArdle

New information on Formula One legend Michael Schumacher's condition has been difficult to come by, but fans of the racer continue to hope for his recovery, including Italian priest Don Sergio Mantovani.

Speaking to German newspaper Bild am Sonntag, Mantovani said that while he knows "more than I want to say," he said that he continues to pray for Schumacher and that the champion's faith in God will help him recover.

"What we saw as a driver and certainly what is true still today is that Michael is a fighter, I know he believes in God, but doesn't go to church," the priest said as quoted by Wheels24.

"Recently I have had no contact. I still pray for Michael. Why this is happening to him and how it will proceed, only God knows the answer," Mantovani went on to say.

Schumacher met a freak accident while skiing in the French Alps back in 2013. Shortly after, he was put in a medically-induced coma for six months, and was then brought back to his home to make his full recovery with his family by his side.

Updates on him have been scarce with Schumacher's family requesting a media blackout, but they are thankful for the overflowing love and support from the people whose hearts have been touched by the racer.

"We can only always thank you for facing this fight together with him and us," the family stated on the Michael Schumacher website, adding that like the fans, they hope for Schumacher's fast recovery. Fans also keep the hashtag "Keep Fighting Michael" alive as they await news on Schumacher's condition.

Schumacher's manager stated last July that his family still wants the seven-time F1 champ's recovery to be a private matter.

"Of course, Michael will not disappear but at the moment the private situation is so difficult that unfortunately no insight can be given. There must be understanding for this," she stated at that time.

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