England star David Beckham's injury heartbreak will not end his career, according to his agent.
Midfielder to learn rehabilitation programme on Tuesday
England and AC Milan midfielder David Beckham's injury heartbreak will not end his career, according to the veteran's agent.
The 34-year-old has undergone surgery from professor Sakari Orava in Finland after rupturing his left Achilles tendon while playing for Milan in Sunday's victory over Chievo in Serie A.
Beckham's hopes of playing in a fourth World Cup this summer are over as he faces up to the reality of an estimated four-month recovery period and there have been suggestions his playing days could also be at risk.
But the former England captain, who is on loan at Milan from parent club Los Angeles Galaxy, is hoping to return to the pitch in the autumn.
"This is not the end of David's playing career," said Beckham's representative Simon Oliveira in
The Guardian.
"Even if David does miss the World Cup, he is aiming to play (with Los Angeles Galaxy) towards the end of the Major League Soccer season.
Support
"David is a quick healer. He hopes to make a swift and full recovery."
England manager Fabio Capello has said that he will consider Beckham for selection for the Euro 2012 qualifiers, which begin later this year, if he is fit.
The former Three Lions captain will therefore be determined to meet that target and he will learn his rehabilitation programme after another medical examination on Tuesday.
A spokesperson for Beckham was credited as saying by the
Daily Star on Monday: "Following a scan, David Beckham's left Achilles was found to be ruptured.
"Professor Sakari Orava performed a successful operation, repairing the tendon completely.
"David is expected to make a full recovery. Professor Orava will conduct a further examination, when a programme for rehabilitation will be finalised.
"David wants to thank everyone who has given him messages of support, it meant a lot to him."
