David Beckham hopes for swift recovery

Milan:  David Beckham hopes to make a "swift and full recovery" from his torn left Achilles tendon after leaving on Monday for Finland for surgery on the injury which likely will keep him out of the World Cup.

"I am on my way to Finland to see a specialist and have a scan on the injury," Beckham said in a statement posted on his personal website. "I am upset but [want] to thank everyone for their messages of support. I hope to make a swift and full recovery."

The 34-year-old former England captain was injured in the closing minutes of AC Milan's 1-0 win over Chievo Verona on Sunday.

With his hopes of becoming the first English player to appear in four World Cups shattered and his future in international football in doubt, Beckham was scheduled to be operated on either later yesterday or this morning by specialist surgeon Dr Sakari Orava.

Before the flight, Beckham left a Milan hotel on crutches.

"We have to wait for the results of the scan, but it looks like he is out of the World Cup," England coach Fabio Capello said yesterday. "David is a great professional and has worked very hard to be ready for the World Cup, so missing it will be a big blow."

Orava told Finnish broadcaster YLE yesterday that, although it's not realistic to expect Beckham to be fit for the World Cup just three months after surgery, there remains "a glimmer of hope" that he could be back for the June 11-July 11 tournament in South Africa.

On Sunday, a person familiar with the injury told The Associated Press that "he will miss the World Cup for sure."

Play again

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because an official announcement had not been made. The person said it was likely Beckham will play again.

Beckham, who has been staying at the Principe di Savoia hotel during his second loan stint with Milan, left with a grimace on his face, getting into a car with his father for the trip to Finland.

Wearing jeans, a denim jacket and a black knit hat, Beckham got into the front seat with a bit of difficulty and his father got into the back seat.

Beckham did not respond to questions, never making eye contact with assembled media.