Schuey's hectic week

The Ferrari ace began his packed schedule by being presented with his official Formula 1 world championship trophy at Monaco on Friday night, before jetting across to Maranello for Ferrari's official Christmas party - as well as one later in the weekend with children of the team's employees.

After slotting in an evening at the Ferrari Christmas concert, Schumacher then rounded off his official engagements with a match at Real Madrid in aid of charity.

Speaking about his packed week, Schumacher said: "It has become a nice tradition by now, this weekend of celebrations before Christmas that I have just spent. The FIA prize-giving ceremony in Monaco on Friday was great, as always.

"It's just really nice to have the chance to see all the guys in a relaxed atmosphere far away from the race track a couple of weeks after all the hectic times, and to celebrate together with them. And of course it's always a special moment to be presented with the World Championship trophy.

"As always, I went to Maranello after Monaco to take part in the Christmas party that has also become a tradition. A lunch with all the staff of the motor-sports department, which to me is a tradition that is more than appropriate. Those are the people that work tremendously hard all year so that we can do well at the track after all! All I can do is thank them again, as I have of course already done on Saturday as well.

"At night we went to Bologna to see the Ferrari Christmas concert, and yesterday we celebrated with the employees' kids in the morning. Ferrari always comes up with fantastic ideas for that. This time they had set up a railroad track for the little ones in the logistics facility."

And despite his superstar status in the world of motor racing, Schumacher admitted to always getting a few nerves whenever he takes to the football pitch with some of the world's best player.

"I am always a little self-conscious when I'm on the field with people like Ronaldo, Zidane, or the others - but it's for a good cause: this game to help stop poverty is part of the United Nations Development Programme."