George Michael proud of life-saving neck wound

George Michael is proud of his tracheotomy scar - because it shows he's lucky to be alive.

The 'White Light' singer was hospitalised in Vienna, Austria, last November after being diagnosed with pneumonia. During his four weeks under doctors' care, he underwent a tracheotomy, an incision on the neck to aid breathing.

George - who returned to his home in Britain just before Christmas - was thinking abut getting the scar removed, but he is now pleased he's got it as it reminds him of how close he came to death.

He told Gaydar radio: "I don't think it changes you as a person. I have a tracheotomy scar ... and it really bothered me for a while. I was thinking well maybe I should get something done about it. I know you can have scar treatment.

"But then I thought when I was looking in the mirror a couple of weeks ago that it does actually remind me every time I look at it that I'm lucky to be alive, so I've decided to keep it."

Although George, 49, knows he has to look after himself from now on, he insists he can never imagine a time when he doesn't tour or make music.

He added: "If I'm not creating anything I get very restless very quickly so I'm doing the album, then I'm touring Europe and Australia. It's going to be a packed-out year really. I've made a promise that I will take it easy next year."