MAINZ, Germany -- Retired Formula One superstar Michael Schumacher is no longer in a coma and has left the hospital, his manager said Monday.
The racing legend had been treated at a hospital in Grenoble, France, since suffering head injuries while skiing in the Alps in December.
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Schumacher's manager Sabine Kehm said the German driver was "not in a coma anymore."
In a statement, Kehm said that Schumacher would "continue his long phase of rehabilitation," adding that it would "take place away from the public eye."
She added: "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 family also expressed thanks to "all the people who have sent Michael the many good wishes ... We are sure it helped him."
Schumacher, 45, is the most successful driver in Formula One history.
The seven-time world champion was skiing with his son in the French resort of Meribel when he fell and hit his head on a rock.