Reflections on the English patient

Reflections on the English patient
(FIFA.com) Tuesday 23 March 2010

Throughout the past 18 years of his professional career, David Beckham has constantly been front page, as well as back page, news. However, even the England midfielder might have been somewhat taken aback by the response to his Achilles injury, sustained in AC Milan’s last-gasp 1-0 win over Chievo nine days ago.

A ruptured tendon has ruled him out of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™, much to the chagrin of the 34-year-old and football fans worldwide, who were hoping to see him on the sport's grandest stage. Ironically, the injury occurred while Beckham was on loan at the Italian club, with the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star hoping to prove his fitness to Fabio Capello ahead of the tournament.

First to comment on the injury was Milan coach Leonardo: “Beckham’s injury makes us all feel bad, as he is such a nice lad. The goal so late to put us within a point of the leaders was wonderful, but we cannot celebrate. He already told me when he left the pitch that it was a serious injury. When the tendon breaks, everything comes away and the muscle starts to rise. I felt great pity for him.”

Beckham's Rossoneri team-mate Ignazio Abate echoed the Brazilian’s words: “Seeing him suffer like this is horrible, and it has hit the team hard," reflected the right-wingback.
It's difficult to comprehend because you play all your life to take part in World Cups and they only come around every four years, yet it is taken out of your hands.
Gary Neville on the injury that has ruled David Beckham out of South Africa 2010

Another Italian who was quick to offer his support was England coach Capello. "I am very sad for David that he has suffered this injury,” he said. “He is a great professional and has worked very hard to be ready for the World Cup, so missing it will be a big blow. I spoke with him to offer my support but we have still asked him to come to South Africa with us.”

Gareth Barry, his fellow Three Lions midfielder, welcomed Capello’s offer, as he feels that the veteran free-kick specialist's inspirational qualities will serve the team well at South Africa 2010. "He helped me when I had the big absence from making squads," said the Manchester City midfielder.

"When he speaks to you, he gives you more encouragement. He knows the right way to speak to people, and when to do it. I've been in a lot of squads with David, I know him well. He's a good bloke to have around.”

Across the divide in Manchester, his former United team-mate and best friend in football, Gary Neville, believes that he will come back at the highest level once again. “He has done so much to be part of this World Cup, and he has been part of all of England's qualifying games and all the squads," said the right-back.

"It's difficult to comprehend because you play all your life to take part in World Cups and they only come around every four years, yet it is taken out of your hands. I think everyone feels for him, but knowing David, I have no doubt he will rehabilitate himself in a professional manner, work as hard as he possibly can and I'm sure he will be back playing football at the highest level within a few months.”

However, United and England legend Sir Bobby Charlton is not so certain: “It could be the end of his career. I sincerely hope that it isn't, but it's a possibility. He will be really disappointed now because he will not get another opportunity to play in a World Cup. But David is a big lad and you never know what will happen.

"He might come back and start playing again, but he has a serious injury and you cannot speculate on the outcome. My international career ended on the pitch for England when we lost to West Germany in the World Cup in 1970, but David's looks to have ended a different way and I'm sure that is something that he will regret, if this injury does mean he has played for England for the last time.”

In the USA, his Los Angeles Galaxy coach Bruce Area has vowed the club’s full support as he begins his rehabilitation. “Injuries are an unfortunate part of our game and they are even more disappointing when they happen to a player who was so close to realising his dream of representing his nation at this summer's World Cup,” he said. "We will give him our complete support to make sure that he is able to get himself back to full health before he returns to the field."

And Landon Donovan, the player who publically fell out with Beckham in 2009, offered his support. “First and foremost, we (the Galaxy) are devastated for David. Those of us in the locker room know how much it meant to him to give himself a chance to play in the World Cup. Now that is gone."

Beckham has also been backed by some of the world’s leading figures. FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter expressed his regret that the injury "may prevent you from playing in a fourth FIFA World Cup, which would be a record for an England player, and particularly for the physical pain you must be in at the moment."
We are devastated for David. Those of us in the locker room know how much it meant to him to give himself a chance to play in the World Cup.
Landon Donovan on the reaction of the Los Angeles Galaxy players to David Beckham's injury


British Prime Minister Gordon Brown also emphasised in a letter what a tremendous ambassador Beckham is for English football, and wished him well in his recovery, while the nation’s Poet Laureate, Carol Ann Duffy, also wrote a verse entitled ‘Achilles’ about his setback. “He is almost a mythical figure himself, in popular culture,” said Duffy. “People like Beckham in their public lives are stories the rest of us follow.

"The whole point of Greek myths is the combination of triumph and tragedy. In many ways he’s very human, and the interesting thing about taking ordinary people with a particular talent and making them into heroes is when they are seen at their most human. The most tragic image was him being unable to walk and crying on the side of the pitch. You just thought how all the money in the world and private planes can’t sort this. It was a very moving moment.”

Beckham himself was typically statesman-esque. "I'd like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their messages of support, they mean a lot to me. The operation was a success and I'd like to thank Doctor Orava and all the medical staff who looked after me during my time in Finland. I'm feeling positive and now concentrating on getting back to full fitness over the coming months."