German soccer legend dedicates award to Michael Schumacher

Soccer legend Miroslav Klose was in Italy earlier this week where he received a sports ethics award at the University of Rome Tor Vergata for his fair play, loyalty and social commitment.

In his speech, the 37-year-old German dedicated the award to countryman and seven-time Formula One World Champion Michael Schumacher.

“I had the pleasure of personally meeting him when he once visited us in training camp with the national team,” said Klose, reports bild.de. “He is an extraordinary person. It was enough, five minutes to talk to him, to open and to understand so many things in the eyes.

“Forza Michael, do not give up,” added Klose.

Schumacher retired from Formula One competition in 2012, then was severely injured in a skiing crash in the French Alps on Dec. 29, 2013. Schumacher has since came out of a medically-induced coma, but little is known on his current condition, although he is believed to be paralyzed.