George Michael has been released from hospital and is flying back to England

Pop star George Michael has been released from the Austrian hospital and is flying back to England today after almost five weeks.

George Michael, 48, has been receiving treatment for pneumonia at the AKH clinic in Vienna, Austria, for weeks. But after making a recovery from the illness he was discharged from the medical centre at 08:00 a.m. and was taken straight to the airport so he can be at home for Christmas.

AKH staff member told Austrian newspaper Osterreich: “He’s feeling a lot better. He’s doing so well, he’s able to fly again.”

Yesterday George Michael’s doctors revealed he was feeling much better and had responded well to treatment.

Christoph Zielinski – one of his doctors – said: “We know he’s doing fine and we are generally optimistic.”

Last week, George Michael’s boyfriend Fadi Fawaz tweeted the pop superstar would be flying back to England for Christmas.

Fadi Fawaz said: “Christmas at home. I cannot stop smiling today, the best day ever. He is getting better and better. Nothing to worry about, happy days.”

The tweet has since been removed.

Pop star George Michael has been released from the Austrian hospital and is flying back to England today after almost five weeks

George Michael had to cancel all the remaining shows on his “Symphonica Tour” when he fell ill in November.

In late November, a statement released by George Michael’s doctors revealed that the singer was “improving steadily”.

They made clear that the pop star will need a period of “complete rest” to recover from the illness but emphasized he had no further underlying health problems.

In a statement, Professors Gottfried Locker and Christoph Zielinski said: “The latest development in Mr. Michael’s case, which has evolved from a severe pneumococcal infection, necessitated intensive care due to its severity and extension.

“We are happy to announce that Mr. Michael is improving steadily with an impressive regression of pneumonic symptoms and follows a steady rate of improvement as hoped.

“There are no other health issues with regards to the patient other than the underlying pneumonic disorder, and no further measures had to be taken.”

They continued: “Mr. Michael is receiving precisely the same treatment as any ordinary patient in Austria would receive at the hospital for this disease.”

Doctors said “complete rest and peace and quiet are mandatory for his recovery”.

George Michael’s official website has urged fans to send well wishes to him via his Facebook page.

It also announced the re-release of George Michael’s festive single December Song (I Dream of Christmas).