David Beckham This article is more than 13 years oldDavid Beckham begins recovery from achilles injury
This article is more than 13 years old Midfielder will make 'complete recovery' in six monthsBeckham thanks Milan doctors, team-mates and fans
David Beckham and his wife Victoria left Finland today on a private jet to London, two days after the former England captain had surgery for a torn achilles' tendon.
The operation on his left foot has been judged a success, although the injury will keep him sidelined for about six months, meaning he will miss the World Cup in South Africa.
The couple made no comments as they left, and it wasn't immediately clear where they were heading. "I did say that perhaps it would not be wise to fly straight off to Los Angeles ... that he should stop somewhere first," said Sakari Orava, the orthopedic surgeon who performed the operation.
He added: "He has to take it easy for about a month – that's how long it will be in a cast – and then week-by-week he can move the foot and use it more."
Beckham tore his left achilles' tendon when playing for Milan on Sunday and underwent surgery in Turku, Finland, on Monday, before being joined by his wife a day later.
Orava said they ordered pizzas and watched football on a large-screen TV on Tuesday evening but that he left the couple just as the Champions League match between Chelsea and Internazionale started.
"They looked happy," he said.
Orava, who has operated on several international sports stars, including runners Frank Fredericks, Merlene Ottey and Haile Gebreselassie, noted that Beckham was an exemplary patient.
"He was a very easy and good patient. Even the nurses said they wished that all their patients were like him," Orava said. "He was very satisfied and didn't complain about anything and thanked everyone."
Milan said Beckham would begin rehabilitation right away: "The plan includes a complete recovery in six months, at the end of which he can play again," they stated.
The player thanked the club for the support he has received: "I want to thank from my heart all the Rossoneri, the club, the doctors, my team-mates and the fans," he said on Milan's official website www.acmilan.com. "I have appreciated so much all the messages I have received after the injury, they are of great help and support. I truly thank you, the members of Milan for what they have done for me. I have read the many messages from the fans, I thank them one by one."
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