David Beckham is feeling positive after undergoing surgery

English footballer David Beckham said he was “feeling positive”

after undergoing surgery on his Achilles tendon as

the England midfielder thanked fans for

a flood of messages of support since the injury that

has ended his chances of making the World Cup finals in South Africa.

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 on Monday,

is expected to be out of action for five months.

Mr Brown’s spokesman said: “The Prime Minister has indeed sent him 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.”

Beckham 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 Football 2010,

which starts on June 11.

Prof Orava said: “Healing takes a long time.

It is difficult to say how long the recovery period will be

but I would guess it will be three or four months and, for example,

for running it usually takes four or five months until one can do it properly.”

England manager Fabio Capello also indicated that the former captain would not be fit

in time for the tournament.

The Italian, who spoke to Beckham after the injury,

said: “David is a great professional and has worked very hard to be ready for the World Cup,

so missing it will be a big blow.”

Beckham pulled up during AC Milan’s Serie A encounter with Chievo without

coming into contact with anyone else.

He then limped to the sidelines for treatment, distraught.

The star midfielder David Beckham recently joined AC Milan for

a second loan spell from Los Angeles Galaxy in a bid to prove his fitness to Capello.