Oct.7 (GMM) Michael Schumacher's former manager has criticised the way in which Mercedes has handled the great German's return to retirement.

The seven time world champion announced his decision on Thursday, mere days after Mercedes said it had signed McLaren's Lewis Hamilton to be Nico Rosberg's teammate in 2013 and beyond.

Schumacher's former manager Weber said: "I would have preferred that he had been able to announce his departure first, not after the commitment of his successor Hamilton."

Weber told SID news agency that Mercedes was unable to guarantee that "the car would be better next year".

"And sometimes even the reputation of a seven time world champion is at risk," he added.

Weber also said he doubts Schumacher's next move will be to Mercedes team management.

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