BECKHAM OUT OF WORLD CUP WITH TORN ACHILLES TENDON

David Beckham has been ruled out of the 2010 World Cup following a torn Achilles tendon, and his career beyond that is currently in doubt.  The former England captain suffered the injury in the closing minutes of AC Milan’s home game against Chievo Verona on Sunday.  A visibly shaken Beckham left the San Siro on crutches and will reportedly fly to Finland for medical treatment early this week.

Beckham was preparing for a free kick and was uncontested when the injury occurred.  He shifted his weight in preparation to make the kick before stopping and reaching down to grab his left heel.  He momentarily returned to the task at hand before the pain began to set it.  He made a ‘breaking’ gesture toward the AC Milan sideline before slumping to the pitch.  

AC Milan team physician Jean Pierre Meersseman told the Italian media that Beckham will fly to Finland for surgery early this week:

"He'll go to Finland tomorrow and will be operated on probably tomorrow afternoon or Tuesday morning.”

Beckham was hoping to be the first English player to play in four World Cup tournaments.  While his career in high level International play may be over, sources close to Beckham were confident that the 34 year old midfielder would play soccer again.  He was expected to be named to England’s World Cup team as a reserve, though his Howitzer-like free kicks are still among the most feared weapons in the sport.  

AC Milan Vice President Adriano Galliani gave his assessment:

 "He'll probably be out for five or six months. I saw him really suffering. In the changing room I hugged him and told him that if he wants he can join us next year, too."

Milan defender Gianluca Zambrotta added:

"Beckham came here because he wanted to help Milan return to the top and he was looking to get a jersey for the national team and participate in the World Cup. If other victories come, there will surely be a dedication for David Beckham."

The affection shown from his Italian teammates was in marked contrast to the robotic statement from Don Garber, Commissioner of the US Major League Soccer (MLS) circuit:

"We just received the information about David's unfortunate injury. We wish him a speedy recovery."

Or the classless comment from LA Galaxy coach Bruce Arena, who stopped short of suggesting that Beckham be taken out behind the San Siro and humanely destroyed:

"Players get hurt whether they're on loan or not.  Injuries are unfortunately part of the game."

Beckham may be ridiculously good looking and insanely rich, but he’s by all accounts a well liked teammate without the attitude you’d expect from one of the world’s biggest sports stars.   Barring some sort of highly unlikely scenario, his international career with the ‘Three Lions’ will likely end with 17 goals and 115 appearances.   His 115 caps in International play for England is second only to goaltender Peter Shilton's 125.