David Beckham's World Cup dream is all but over after rupturing his left Achilles' tendon while playing for AC Milan on Sunday.
Beckham, England's most capped outfield player with 115 appearances, suffered the injury seven minutes from time in the 1-0 win over Chievo Verona at the San Siro.
With only a few minutes remaining and the score 0-0, Beckham was by himself with the ball at his feet, shifted his weight and reached a hand down to his left heel.
He then stood up and snapped his wrists like he was breaking a twig in half in a gesture to show the Milan bench he knew the tendon was broken.
Visibly in pain, Beckham went to the sideline for medical attention, leaving Milan a man short because all three substitutes had been used.
A Sky Italia touchline reporter heard him tell doctors: "It's broken, it's broken" as he was stretchered off with his head in his hands and was left in tears.
The 34-year-old had been dreaming of playing in a fourth successive World Cup finals.
Beckham had joined Milan on loan from Los Angeles Galaxy in order to boost his chances of impressing England boss Fabio Capello ahead of this summer's World Cup.
All the indications were that Capello would have selected the former Three Lions skipper in his 23-man squad - despite the star's public declarations he was not guaranteed a place on the plane.
Now the coach must make plans for the summer without the man who is the best crosser and dead-ball expert in his squad.
Watch David Beckham's injury against Chievo
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| David Beckham holds his head as he realises his World Cup dream is over Photo: Reuters |
Beckham, England's most capped outfield player with 115 appearances, suffered the injury seven minutes from time in the 1-0 win over Chievo Verona at the San Siro.
With only a few minutes remaining and the score 0-0, Beckham was by himself with the ball at his feet, shifted his weight and reached a hand down to his left heel.
He then stood up and snapped his wrists like he was breaking a twig in half in a gesture to show the Milan bench he knew the tendon was broken.
Visibly in pain, Beckham went to the sideline for medical attention, leaving Milan a man short because all three substitutes had been used.
A Sky Italia touchline reporter heard him tell doctors: "It's broken, it's broken" as he was stretchered off with his head in his hands and was left in tears.
The 34-year-old had been dreaming of playing in a fourth successive World Cup finals.
Beckham had joined Milan on loan from Los Angeles Galaxy in order to boost his chances of impressing England boss Fabio Capello ahead of this summer's World Cup.
All the indications were that Capello would have selected the former Three Lions skipper in his 23-man squad - despite the star's public declarations he was not guaranteed a place on the plane.
Now the coach must make plans for the summer without the man who is the best crosser and dead-ball expert in his squad.
Watch David Beckham's injury against Chievo
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