Football game sends Schumacher ’positive energy’

German basketball legend Dirk Nowitzki on Wednesday said he hoped some "positive energy" was beamed back to Michael Schumacher.

The NBA star organised a charity football match in Mainz, Germany, on Wednesday featuring Schumacher’s protege Sebastian Vettel, ex-rival Mika Hakkinen, former teammate Felipe Massa and even his 17-year-old son Mick.

Nowitzki told Bild newspaper: "The fact that Mick is here makes the evening even a little emotional.

"I hope that we can send Michael a little positive energy and show him that the people have not forgotten him, and that he is still their idol," he added.