They are calling it a 'Christmas miracle'.
Fresh reports from Germany suggest Michael Schumacher has taken his first steps since his horrific skiing accident nearly two years ago.
Magazine Bunte has
published the claims, quoting a "confidant" of the seven-times Formula 1 world champion who says: "Michael is very thin. But he can once again walk a little with the help of his therapist. He manages to walk a few steps. He can even raise his arm."
The publication described Schumacher's progress as 'a Christmas miracle'.
Schumacher spent nine months in hospital followed the crash in the French Alps, where he suffered head injuries that required multiple brain surgeries and months spent in an induced coma.
Since September 2014, the 46-year-old has been cared for at his home in Switzerland, where reports on his progress have been sporadic at best and often unconfirmed as the family have sought to keep Schumacher's recuperation as private as possible.
The German's manager, Sabine Kehm, denied the new claims, stating that: "Unfortunately, we are forced by a recent press report to clarify that the assertion that Michael could move again is not true.
"Such speculation is irresponsible, because given the seriousness of his injuries, his privacy is very important for Michael. Unfortunately they also give false hopes to many people involved."
Earlier this year, Kehm said Schumacher's condition was improving slowly, but Bunte has said it is standing by its latest story.
