George Michael fought back tears on Friday as the British singer conceded that he had almost died after contracting severe pneumonia while on tour in Austria. Appearing weak and struggling for breath, the 48-year-old told reporters outside his London home it had been “touch and go” at times during the month he spent in a Vienna hospital.
“It was by far the worst month of my life but I am incredibly, incredibly fortunate to be here,” said the former star of 1980s pop duo Wham!, following his release from hospital on Thursday and return to Britain.
“We played it down, I did not want to worry my fans too much,” Michael admitted as he stood in front of a Christmas tree in the upmarket Highgate district, wearing dark glasses and a scarf.