Beckham back on feet after surgery

Associated Press

TURKU, FINLAND

With his celebrity wife at his side, David Beckham was back on his feet and walking on crutches Tuesday after surgery to repair the torn Achilles’ tendon that will sideline him for about six months.

The 34-year-old former England captain “feels fine and is happy” as he recuperates from Monday’s operation at a private clinic in Finland, his surgeon said. He added that Beckham would leave the clinic today.

“He does not have much pain and has started walking today and gradually done it more and more,” Dr. Sakari Orava said.

Beckham was injured in the closing minutes of AC Milan’s 1-0 win over Chievo Verona on Sunday. He was on his second loan to the Italian club from Major League Soccer’s Los Angeles Galaxy.

“I’m feeling positive and now concentrating on getting back to full fitness over the coming months,” Beckham said in a statement.

Orava said Beckham’s left Achilles’ tendon was totally torn, ruling out his hopes of playing in his fourth World Cup. The tournament starts June 11 in South Africa.

“It is hard to tell, but in general I can say that after an Achilles’ tendon tear, a total rupture, people usually are back in sports within half a year,” Orava said.

AC Milan said Beckham would begin rehabilitation right away.