Schumacher stars in soccer match

The Ferrari driver - who is aiming to make it three wins out of as many races in Sunday's Imola showdown - was pleased with his guest appearance, despite missing a handful of gilt-edged chances in the star-studded celebrity match.

He also denied that he had defied team orders banning him from playing football.

Speaking to Reuters, Schumacher said: "I played quite well but I missed four easy goal.

"It is not true that I was ever told not to play football by the team. I did a lot of running and I think I ran several kilometres, so I feel really fit now.

"It is the first time I have felt fit enough to do this and I really enjoyed it."

Schumacher was not concerned about returning to Silverstone for the British Grand Prix in two weeks time.

"It doesn't matter to me because all that matters is that you don't lose the brakes on the car - where it could happen is not something to think about."