Beckham, who is currently playing for AC Milan in Italy and hoped to represent England during the World Cup in South Africa this summer, was unchallenged in the center circle and preparing to kick the ball when he went down during Sunday's eventual 1-0 Serie A win over Chievo.
Beckham was visibly in pain, hopping to the sideline for medical attention before collapsing in agony. The injury left Milan with 10 men on the field as all three substitutes had entered the game already.
"Beckham's injury makes us feel terrible," said Milan coach Leonardo after the game. "He is an extraordinary guy
and today's game proves it yet again.
"David understood
immediately that he had torn his Achilles' tendon. When the tendon
breaks, everything comes away and the muscle starts to rise. I felt
great pity for him. This injury has been a heavy blow for him and for
us. Unfortunately the party is ruined."
Beckham was in his second stint with AC Milan and is on loan from Major League Soccer's Los Angeles Galaxy. According to Soccernet, he has already spoken with England coach Fabio Capello and his assistant, Franco
Baldini, about missing out on the chance to play in
his fourth World Cup.
Milan sources have said that Beckham will fly to Finland on Monday to undergo an operation on his Achilles.
