David Beckham leaves clinic in Finland after surgery on torn Achilles’ tendon

Beckham leaves Finland clinic after surgery

TURKU, Finland — David Beckham and his wife Victoria left the clinic Wednesday where the former England captain had surgery for a torn Achilles’ tendon, an injury that will keep him sidelined for about six months.

Dozens of fans jostled and shouted as the two got into a van outside the clinic in Turku, Finland. They were believed to be headed to the airport.

The 34-year-old Beckham tore his left Achilles’ tendon when playing for AC Milan on Sunday and underwent surgery on Monday. Beckham will be sidelined for about six months and miss the World Cup in South Africa.

Police pushed back reporters and photographers as the Beckhams left, escorted by two police cars.

Before Beckham’s departure, orthopedic surgeon Sakari Orava said medical teams would review a rehabilitation program for Beckham and change his dressings and the cast.

Beckham, who flew to the Mehilainen Clinic in Turku on Monday, was joined a day later by his wife, who also spent the night at the clinic. Newspapers reported that the couple ordered pizzas to the clinic late Tuesday.

Orava, who has operated on several international sports stars, stressed the importance of having family close by.

“One’s family really can help a lot in such situations,” Orava told Finland’s YLE television. “It’s understandable that such a serious injury, which in the worst-case scenario could end one’s career, can be depressing and the role of the family is to give support.”

The tendon was totally torn, ruling out Beckham’s 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.

“The plan includes a complete recovery in six months, at the end of which he can play again,” the club said in a statement on Tuesday, adding that Beckham shouldn’t put weight on his injured foot for two weeks and can undergo physical therapy in a pool after six weeks.

“Beckham is a Milan player until June 30, 2010, so all the eventual contractual obligations will continue to apply,” Milan organizing director Umberto Gandini said.

“After June 30, he will become a Los Angeles Galaxy player again. From the contractual point of view, absolutely nothing changes. The fact that he was injured doesn’t change affect his contract.”

Milan physicians followed Beckham to Finland and will coordinate the first steps of rehabilitation.

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown sent a get-well message to Beckham and praised his role as an ambassador for his sport, according to Brown’s spokesman, Simon Lewis.

Orava said Beckham was a good patient.

“He is a very sympathetic, peaceful and nice person. Looks you in the eyes,” Orava said. “Our nurses also said that he’s a great patient and doesn’t complain about anything.”