George Michael reveals he came close to death during treatment for pneumonia
The frail-looking singer says he feels 'weak but amazing' at a press conference outside his home in north London
George Michael has revealed how close he came to dying from pneumonia, describing his recent battle against the illness as "touch and go" and "by far the worst month of my life".
The singer, who was treated at an Austrian hospital after falling ill while on tour last month, said he felt "very weak but amazing" after returning to the UK.
Speaking to reporters at a hastily convened press conference outside his north London home, a thin, emotional and frail-looking Michael said: "It was by far the worst month of my life, but I am incredibly, incredibly fortunate to be here and to have picked up the bug where I did."
The 48-year-old former Wham! singer thanked all those who had sent messages and support and paid tribute to the medical staff who cared for him.
He also said he would make up the cancelled dates of his Symphonica tour.
"The plan is to play to every single person who had a ticket," he said. "And I would like to play one show for the doctors in the hospital in Austria who saved my life."
Last month, doctors at the AKH hospital in Vienna said Michael had been in intensive care because of the severity of the illness and made clear he would need a complete rest to recover. But they emphasised he had no further underlying health problems.
In a statement, professors Gottfried Locker and Christoph Zielinski said: "The latest development in Mr Michael's case, which has evolved from a severe pneumococcal infection, necessitated intensive care due to its severity and extension. We are happy to announce that Mr Michael is improving steadily with an impressive regression of pneumonic symptoms, and follows a steady rate of improvement as hoped.
"There are no other health issues with regards to the patient other than the underlying pneumonic di! sorder, and no further measures had to be taken."
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