David Beckham ruptures Achilles tendon, says goodbye to World Cup

Beckham, 34, was desperate to play in Fabio Capello's England squad for South Africa and play in a fourth World Cup finals.

The former England captain was hurt in Sunday's AC Milan's 1-0 Serie A win over Chievo at the San Siro.

"David's injury is bad for us," said Milan coach Leonardo.

"This was an important victory tonight, but this injury prevents us from really enjoying it. It's an important injury and we need to be able to judge how serious it is."

AC Milan is trying to close the gap on league leaders Inter.

"David realised straightaway what had happened. He understood that it was a serious problem and he said so immediately. It's such a great shame."

He was seen limp off the field and was stretchered away in pain and in tears.

"He'll probably be out for five or six months," AC Milan vice president Adriano Galliani said. "I saw him really suffering. In the changing room I hugged him and told him that if he wants he can join us next year, too."