Beckham 'positive' after surgery (From News Shopper)

Beckham 'positive' after surgery

7:06pm Tuesday 16th March 2010 in National Sport © Press Association 2011

David Beckham has said he is "feeling positive" after undergoing surgery on his Achilles tendon.

The England midfielder also thanked fans for their messages of support since the injury ruled him out of the World Cup finals.

In a statement on his website, Beckham said: "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."

Earlier Gordon Brown sent the footballer a message to wish him a "speedy recovery" after he was injured while playing for AC Milan on Sunday.

Beckham, who underwent surgery in Finland yesterday, is expected to be out of action for five months.

Mr Brown's spokesman said: "The Prime Minister has indeed sent him (Beckham) a message.

"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."

The footballer's wife, pop star-turned-fashion designer Victoria Beckham, headed to Finland on Tuesday to support him.

He is expected to make a full recovery, but the player's surgeon said he will not be able to take part in the World Cup, which starts in South Africa on June 11.