David Beckham's surgery over, faces six-month recovery

Soccer legend David Beckham has undergone surgery on his ruptured left Achilles tendon in Finland. 

He left Finland Wednesday (March 17) on a private plane with his wife, Victoria Beckham, three days after tearing the tendon in a match with Italian club AC Milan. He's expected to be off the pitch for five to six months.

"I have appreciated so much all the messages I have received after the injury," he said in a statement."I want to thank from my heart all the Rossoneri. The club, the doctors, my teammates and the fans. I truly thank you, the members of Milan, for what they have done for me."

His surgeon. Dr. Sakari Orav, told the BBC that he had advised Beckham not to fly for "two to three days" but that the risk of flying was "small."

He described Beckham as a "peaceful and nice person," adding, "Our nurses also said that he's a great patient and doesn't complain about anything."

The six-month recovery time means that Becks will in all likelihood miss the World Cup -- which would have been his fourth for England. The tournament begins on June 11 in South Africa.

A World Cup without Beckham will be a sad one. Heal up fast, Becks.

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