‘Football can be so cruel’ as David Beckham injures achilles tendon and looks set to miss World Cup

While David Beckham certainly has had his critics, everyone seemed to be looking forward to his swan-song  at this summer’s World Cup. Well, DBecks’ South African dream has taken a huge hit as the renowned footballer hopped off injured with what is diagnosed as a broken achilles’ tendon during AC Milan’s 1-0 victory over Chievo Verona. The 34-year-old will fly to Finland this morning to visit Dr Sakari Orava, professor of orthopaedics and traumatology at the Mehilainen Clinic in Turku, who is expected to perform surgery on the player’s left tendon this afternoon. 

“David’s injury makes us sick,” said Leonardo, the Milan coach, who appeared truly upset after the match. “When I think of his personal history, everything I know about him, how hard he works, I just feel so bad for him. Tonight was a very important win for us, but David’s injury definitely puts a downer on the evening.“

Adriano Galliani, the Milan chief executive, said that Beckham is expected to be out for “five to six months”. Galliani added that within minutes of Beckham’s injury, Fabio Capello, England’s manager, was on the phone with Milan officials.

With all the drama building up to this June, one has to feel bad for Beckham. Sure, England will probably be able to cope just fine without him, but Beckham’s work ethic and passion to wear his country’s shirt is can only be admired. 

Galliani continued, “It’s horrible, for two consecutive years he has come to play for us for one reason only, to stay fit for the World Cup and to further his England career. And now something like this happens. Football can be so cruel.” That really sums it up, doesn’t it?

What do you think of this incident? While Beckham won’t be playing in the World Cup, should Capello bring him along to positively influence the England squad?

(highlights of the bittersweet victory, including Beckham’s injury and Clarence Seedorf’s absolute wondergoal are after the jump)