George Michael Returns To London After Treatment For Pneumonia In Austria

'It Was Touch And Go': George Michael Reveals Brush With Death After Pneumonia Scare

Singer George Michael today returned home to the UK after leaving hospital in Vienna.

The former Wham! frontman was treated for pneumonia in Austria after falling ill in November while on tour for the first time in three years.

Speaking to reporters outside his house in north London today, the tearful singer said: "I'm very weak but I feel amazing."

Michael said it was "touch and go for a while" and added: "It was by far the worst month of my life, but I'm incredibly, incredibly fortunate to be here."

Doctors said he had to be treated in intensive care because of the "severity and extension" of the illness.

Describing himself as a "new man", Michael added: "I would like to play one other show for the doctors in Austria who saved my life. I really, really, really, ... from the bottom of my heart thank everyone who sent messages."

He seemed breathless at times, explaining he had had to have a tracheotomy during his illness.

The tour began in Prague in the Czech Republic in August and saw him play 45 shows in 35 cities before it was cancelled.

He was due to play UK shows on his Symphonica tour until the week before Christmas.

Michael, 48, spent a month in prison for drug-driving last year.

Michael later wrote on Twitter: "I'm back and I'm proud, though not very loud...... (which, I assure you, will be temporary!) MERRY XMAS TO ALL OF YOU! ISN'T LIFE GRAND !! X"

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