Posh makes mercy dash to Finland as Becks begins the long road to recovery

By Scott Warren

I'm coming David: Victoria Beckham arrives by private jet in Turku, Finland


Victoria Beckham has made a trans-Atlantic mercy mission to hold the hand of her injured husband David as he struggles to deal with his dashed World Cup dream.

The England star was joined by his wife in the Finnish seaside town of Turku as he began the long, slow process of recovery from his Achilles tendon injury.

She flew in from LA as the doctor who performed the surgery predicted Beckham's career wouldn't be ended but said his rehabilitation period would be lengthy.

Beckham released a statement on his website today, telling fans: '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 Dr 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.'


Mercy dash: Victoria Beckham leaves Los Angeles (left), before touching down in London ahead of a final flight to Turku aboard a private jet


Touchdown: Posh covers her face as she arrives in Turku


Orthopedic surgeon Sakari Orava said the 34-year-old was expected to be out of action for about six months - ruling him out of contention for South Africa 2010 which begins in June.

He said Beckham was in 'some pain' after Monday's surgery but was doing well as he made tentative first steps while using crutches.

'These walking exercises are the first day's programme after surgery,' Orava said.


Long recovery: Beckham will take his first post-surgery steps today with the help of crutches


'After that he will get a detailed programme for further rehabilitation, and then, Wednesday probably, he flies to London, and then to the U.S.'

Beckham was injured innocuously as he moved to kick the ball on the halfway line in the closing minutes of AC Milan's 1-0 win over Chievo Verona on Sunday.


'Outlook is good': Surgeon Sakari Orava said Beckham's outlook was good


Orava said Beckham would have to take it 'very easy' for up to a month and would have to wait four months before he could run and another eight weeks until he could return to action on the field.

Victoria arrived in snowy Turku by private jet this afternoon as Prime Minister Gordon Brown wished her midfielder husband well.

A No.10 spokesman said: 'He emphasised what a tremendous ambassador Mr Beckham is for English soccer and wishes him well in his recovery, as I think the whole nation does.


Dream over: Beckham limps from the field on Sunday night


The injury shattered Beckham's hopes of becoming the first English player to appear in four World Cups and put his future on the national team in doubt.

At the age of 34, even a return to competitive action for his host club LA Galaxy must be a doubt, though Becks will be determined to finish his career on his own terms.

The possibility emerged today that England coach Fabio Capello may even take him as an unofficial cheerleader to the World Cup, where he may also be asked to perform as a TV pundit.


source: dailymail