Michael Schumacher says that he would relish the prospect of motorcycle racing superstar Valentino Rossi joining him at Ferrari.

Recent rumours have suggested that Ferrari could be lining up five-time MotoGP champion Rossi as a potential replacement for Schumacher when the German retires.

But Schumacher told German magazine Motorsport Aktuell that the arrival of Rossi could actually encourage him to stay in Formula 1 a little longer.

“If Valentino was at my side, the situation would certainly be interesting,” said Schumacher.

“And it would certainly not be enough to push me into retirement.”

Away from racing, Schumacher recently sustained a slight ankle injury during a football match.

The F1 record breaker plays for Echichens, a team in the Swiss third division, when his grand prix commitments allow.

Thankfully for Ferrari, his latest sporting injury was only minor.