David Beckham flew to Finland Monday were he underwent surgery on an Achilles tendon injury that looks certain to rule the England midfielder out of this summer's World Cup in South Africa, dpa reported.
The operation went well, Finnish orthopaedist Sakari Orava, who conducted the procedure told Finnish news agency STT.
The England star was to spend the night at the Turku clinic where the operation was performed.
Hundreds of fans waited outside the clinic hoping to catch a glimpse of the AC Milan midfielder, who picked up the injury Sunday in a Serie A match against Chievo.
"A rupture of the Achilles tendon is suspected," AC Milan said in a statement after the midfielder left the pitch grimacing in pain over the injury in his left leg.
Earlier, Orava said that Beckham's participation in the World Cup was perhaps an "unrealistic" target.
"But if the injury is slight and the operation is successful, he can at least sit on the bench and offer moral support," Orava added.
Meanwhile, Beckham's website thanked his fans for their support, saying the player was "understandably upset but wants to thank everyone for their messages of support. He hopes to make a swift and full recovery."
The Corriere dello Sport paper spoke of "a drama" on Monday and La Gazzetta dello Sport even said: "Becks' career in danger. David in tears. The season is over."
Milan vice president Adriano Galliani said the former England captain will be out for "probably five or six months," but also offered him hope for the future.
"I saw him and he was suffering," Galliani said. "In the dressing room, I took him in my arms and told him that if he wanted, he will be with us next year."
Milan coach Leonardo said: "Beckham's injury makes us feel terrible. He understood immediately that he had torn his Achilles tendon. He is an extraordinary guy and today's game proves it yet again. I cannot enjoy this evening considering this serious injury."
Ignazio Abate, his Milan teammate, said Beckham was struggling to cope with the news.
"He's not doing well," Abate said. "He was in tears in the dressing room, he wasn't saying a lot. This has affected us all."
Earlier Monday, Orava told Italian media that he held out little hope of the 34-year-old, who was hoping to play in his fourth World Cup, returning before the end of the season.
"To start kicking and playing it will take about three months," the specialist said.
"For maximum performance in kicking and jumping, probably a further month: three or four months before he can play a (training) match."
The forecast by the specialist, whom Milan vice president Adriano Galliani described as "an authority in his field," leaves virtually no room for recovery by June 11, when the World Cup is set to begin.
That is bad news for England manager Fabio Capello.
"We have to wait for the results of the scan, but it looks like he is out of the World Cup. I spoke with him after the game on Sunday night to offer my support, as did (assistant) Franco Baldini," said Capello.
The tie with Chievo will remain one of Beckham's worst, as he had already suffered a bad blow in the face in the first half and kept playing with a bloody mark on his right cheekbone.
Milan, who last week suffered a bitter elimination from the Champions League, losing 4-0 at Beckham's former side Manchester United, will miss the classy veteran as they gear up for a final push in the Serie A season in which they trail leaders Inter by just one point.