Weber advises Schumacher to end career

Aug 6, 2006, 16:25 GMT

Budapest - Michael Schumacher's manager Willi Weber has advised the seven-time world champion to end his career at the end of the season - regardless whether he wins another title or not.

'Even if he finishes second, he should use the goodwill he has at the moment and retire,' Weber told the German newsmagazine Focus.

He said that Schumacher would have no choice if he won the title an eighth time. 'He would then step down as emperor and not as king.

'Should something like 2005 happen again,' Weber asked.

During that season Schumacher's Ferrari was not competitive and the media started writing that the old man (Schumacher) should retire.

'It is legitimate that he makes certain suggestions. Whether I accept them or not is my matter. We will discuss it together. Everybody has to make his own decisions,' Schumacher said.

'But at the end of the day it is not important whether I win the title or not. There are other issues involved. I still have time till Monza to make up my mind.

Schumacher has said he wants to announce his decision on whether he will retire at the end of the year on September 10 at the Italian Grand Prix.