Bandaged Berlusconi leaves hospital after attack

Four days after being attacked at a political rally, Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi was whisked away from a Milan hospital with his face covered in bandages, an unusual sight from a politician and media mogul long obsessed with controlling his image.

The grim-looking Berlusconi waved weakly to photographers as he entered his car, a stark contrast to the premier's usually ebullient appearances filled with broad smiles and autograph signings.

During one such foray into the crowd on Sunday, a man with a history of psychological problems hurled a souvenir statue of Milan's cathedral into the premier's face, breaking Berlusconi's nose and two teeth.

The 73-year-old leader, who has used plastic surgery and hair transplants to keep a fresh look on his perma-tanned visage, sported a large bandage that covered part of the left side of his face and his nose as he left the San Raffaele hospital.

His attacker, identified as 42-year-old Massimo Tartaglia, remains in a Milan prison.

Berlusconi, who is fending off a sex scandal and legal troubles, had previously lamented that he was the target of a "climate of hatred." His injuries stirred public sympathy but groups praising Tartaglia mushroomed on Facebook after the attack.

Berlusconi said in a statement released by his office that he would go on "with more strength and determination than before."

"I will remember two things about these days: the hatred of a few and the love of many, many Italians," the statement said.

Though different in character, Berlusconi's brief appearance outside the hospital still felt staged to project an image of dignity and martyrdom, said Maria Laura Rodota, a political and social commentator for top daily Corriere della Sera.

"He remains a great stage man," said Rodota. "This Berlusconi who leaves the hospital looking like the Shroud of Turin is a well-calculated scene."

Known for his seemingly boundless energy, Berlusconi was ordered by his doctors to cancel or reduce public appearances through the Christmas season.

A Cabinet meeting in Rome was held without the premier's presence. Berlusconi was also skipping the last days of the climate change conference in Copenhagen.

"This could be hard for a man who gets revved up with thousands of activities," said Rodota. "It could damage his morale."

On the other hand it could be a chance to work on his appearance and emerge as good as new, she said.