Michael Schumacher has been released from the hospital, says manager

GRENOBLE, France, June 16 (UPI) -- Seven-time Formula One champion Michael Schumacher is no longer comatose and was released from a Grenoble hospital Monday.

"Michael has left the CHU Grenoble to continue his long phase of rehabilitation. He is not in a coma anymore," Schumacher's spokeswoman Sabine Kehm said in a statement. "His family would like to explicitly thank all his treating doctors, nurses and therapists in Grenoble as well as the first aiders at the place of the accident, who did an excellent job in those first months."

Schumacher's injuries occurred after he fell off a trail and onto a rock while skiing at the Meribel resort in the French alps. He was put in a medically induced coma and underwent two surgeries to remove blood clots in his brain. Kehm last reported on his condition in early April when she said Schumacher had "moments of consciousness and awakening."

German magazine Bunte reported Friday that Schumacher had been transferred from the critical care unit of the hospital to the rehabilitation unit. They also said that he was "out of danger" but his chances of a full recovery were minimal.

His wife, Corinna, has reportedly spent around $17 million to build a rehabilitation medical suite in their home on Lake Geneva. In addition to reporting on his condition, Kehm asked that Schumacher's privacy be respected as he recovers.

"The family also wishes to thank all the people who have sent Michael all the many good wishes to Michael. We are sure it helped him. For the future we ask for understanding that his further rehabilitation will take place away from the public eye."