George Michael tells how pneumonia almost killed him

George Michael has revealed that he was close to death during his recent health scare.

The ‘Careless Whisper’ singer, who was hospitalised in Vienna last November after a bout of pneumonia, said that he is feeling better as he continues to recover from the illness.

Michael is quoted by the Herald Sun as saying: “I don’t know if you heard, but I nearly died. I’m feeling great… everything’s back in check.”

While holidaying in Australia with boyfriend Fadi Fawaz, the singer also revealed that, despite only planning to be in Sydney for a “couple of weeks”, he would like to come back and perform at the Mardi Gras festival.

Michael said: “I may be back for Mardi Gras. We’ll see.”

Kylie Minogue has already been confirmed as a headline act at the annual event.

During the musician’s stint in hospital, Fawaz thanked fans for their messages, saying: “George has had so many get-well wishes and that has really been wonderful. It has helped to keep his spirits up.”

Michael recently suggested that he will reschedule the cancelled dates of his ‘Symphonica’ tour for later this year. He was forced to axe performances in the UK, France and Australia while he was suffering from pneumonia.