Michael Schumacher Update: Rep Responds To Streiff’s Comments—‘He’s Neither A Friend Nor Has He Ever Visited Him’

A friend of Michael Schumacher has revealed the latest update on the former Formula One seven-time world champion's latest health condition. Philippe Streiff, a former F1 driver and friend of Schumacher, has said that the brain injuries that the German racer sustained in the ski crash in December have left him with memory and speech problems. However, Schumacher's manager and representative Sabine Kehm slammed Streiff's recent claims.

CNN correspondent and sports anchor Amanda Davies posted a tweet on Nov. 20. In the message, Kehm has denied that Schumacher is a close friend of Streiff's. She also said that Streiff has never paid Schumacher a visit.

#Schumacher's rep Sabine Kehm on Philippe Streiff's comments "Philippe Streiff is neither a friend of Michael's nor has he ever visited him"

— Amanda Davies (@AmandaJDavies) November 20, 2014

Streiff recently spoke about Schumacher's condition in an interview with French radio station. Streiff revealed that he visited Schumacher. He asserted that Schumacher is getting better, but the condition of the F1 champion is "relative and difficult."

According to Streiff, Schumacher is paralysed and confined to a wheelchair. He added that Schumacher is also experiencing memory and speech problems.

Schumacher sustained brain injuries in a skiing crash in December 2013. Despite wearing a protective helmet, Schumacher had severe injuries when he fell and hit his head on a rock. He has been put in a medically induced coma immediately after the accident at the University Hospital of Grenoble. In June, it has been reported that Schumacher has already woken up from coma. He was then transferred to a medical facility in Switzerland.

In September, Schumacher was moved back home to Lake Geneva to continue his rehabilitation. A total of 15 medical staff, including nurses, doctors, medical aids, and physical therapists, has been employed by the family of the racing legend to help Schumacher in his recovery and rehabilitation at home. Schumacher's weekly medical bill reportedly amounts to 100,000 pounds. In October, Schumacher's son Mick said that his father is showing more progress.

Streiff is a 59-year-old retired F1 racer. He has raced in 55 events and has remained active for the period of four years, from 1984-1988. In March 1989, Streiff has suffered a crash during a pre-season testing at the Brazilian Grand Prix that left him paralysed. He has been using a wheelchair since then.