David Beckham suffers knee injury
Update - David Beckham's injury has been confirmed as a sprained medial collateral ligament in his right knee and he is expected to need six weeks to heal. Details here. Get well soon Becks!
You can watch match highlights above and listen to David Beckham's post-game presser online here. Thanks to sidelineviews.
David Beckham sprained his knee during tonight's Super Liga final. The LA Galaxy lost to Pachuca 4-3 on Penalties after extra time ended with the scores still tied at one all. You can read the official game recap online here. The team showed a lot of heart and can hold their heads up having given their all.
Game photos are in the gallery.
David Beckham's Post-game comments
(AP) David Beckham told reporters after the game, "I'm going to have a scan tomorrow and we'll see the full extent of what it is and how long I'll be out, but at this stage, it's hard to tell, but it doesn't feel good.... With a ligament strain, it's 4-to-6 weeks. We'll have to wait and see... If it is four to six, I won't be flying to England."He also said, referring to the left ankle injury he was already carrying when he began the game, "I went into the tackle a little light because of my ankle and tried to compensate for that. I'd have been better off not doing it at all... It's just gone from one thing to another thing. Maybe it's time for me to just say, `I need the rest,' and get it right and don't come back until it's right."
However, at the same time he refused to rule himself out of Saturday's game aginst Real Salt Lake saying, "I'm going to have a scan, at the end of the day, if the scan comes back tomorrow and it is not as bad as it was then you know maybe I've got a chance to play (on Saturday)."
At the end of the second overtime, Becks limped onto the field to join his teammates as they regrouped for penalty kicks, clapping his hands in encouragement. He told reporters, "I was on the treatment bed... but when it went to extra-time I wanted to be out there on the field, cheering the lads on as best I could"
At the end of the game the LA Galaxy players were awarded second-place medals but when David Beckham's was placed around his neck, he immediately took it off. He said by way of explanation, "I hate losing."
He also said, "I'm devastated to have been taken out of the game when I was because I was looking forward to this game... I've been given the rest to try and get my ankle feeling better and it felt better."
Chris Klein who scored the LA Galaxy's equaliser in the last minutes of the second half to take the game into extra time with a spectacular bicycle kick said, "We're not as good when Beckham's not on the field... Just having his presence around the guys gives us a much needed boost. When he's not there, it hurts us."
Coach Yallop spoke of Beckham as an inspiration, saying "He's playing with an injury. He shouldn't be playing, to be honest, but he's playing... That shows the character of him. And it shows the character of the team, because he lifts the team when he plays. Each game he's played, we've played well. That's what we wanted from David, and he gives that to us."
From the audio of the press conference here are two more lovely quotes especially the second one which I think says a lot about the kind of man David Beckham is, thanks to Ben for helping with these
"I think that the team played for the manager, for themselves, the fans in the stadium, the shirt and that's the way it should be. In other games we have not done that, but tonight we did and full credit to the players. They showed a character that a lot of people didn't believe was there after seeing other games we've played, but tonight it was...."
"Kleiny told me he hadn't scored a goal like that since he was ten... and I said to him about his little son who was in the crowd... I'm sure that he'd be very proud of his Dad for scoring such a great goal from a scissor kick like that."
David Beckham appeared visibly upset after the game and during the press conference. Let's all hope that he will take the time he needs to fully heal now. He has carried the weight of many unrealistic expectations, ambitions and pressure from many people. Get well soon Becks! All the best for a speedy recovery.
posted by rpm at 1:18 AM
31 Comments:
Poor David :-( It is definitely time for him to have a rest and not come back till hes 100% stick with that thought David!!! Please We want to see you fit and at your best not playing injured. Do what you need to do to be 100% and everything else can wait! Get well soon!
2:12 AM
I tear up reading that post-game comments from David. :((
2:42 AM
YES!!!! David has need to recover totally and hour will be able to make it because forced from the accident. It must have Patient, Force of mind and much Understanding from who is close to he. We fans to join to he with the thought and many prayers. I hope that the fans of the Galaxy they will not make to lack to he all the their support and affection. Loredana, Samuele, Gabriel
3:06 AM
fingers crossed it's not a bad injury, that he gets well soon, socan do what he loves so much - playing that game.
The game itself was quite an improvement from the galaxy side. They looked much better and at times played some nice combos.
I thought Cobi Jones had a positive impact when he came on – lifting the whole side and crowd after they have been down because of Becks having to go off.
Ben
5:04 AM
it's unfortunate this is what it took for him to rest. but, if it's what his body needs, then it's just what it needs.
i feel awful for him. but, i'm hoping the news back, later today is that it's a mild sprain. i won't comment on him and utah, because i think he was delirious. lol. not that i don't believe the team would stick him in there with a knee sprain.
perhaps this is a blessing in disguise. it's admirable he wants to do it all, but sometimes you just can't. i hope he comes to terms with that.
now, good thoughts that he's feeling better today, and it's not as bad as they thought last night.
5:15 AM
Knowing how devastating it must have been to see his England hopes gone short term, and put in peril long-term, he is still always so focused on his team -- no matter who they are and what "level" they are on -- that missing the rest of the match and the loss were what made him crazy last night.
Not yet two months in, and with with little time on the pitch, Becks has gone a long way toward achieving both of his goals -- he has already raised the profile of soccer in America, and made the Galaxy a better team. But at such great cost to his health and to a part of his life that means so much to him.
I wish him whatever peace of mind he can gather while he recovers (and hope the time on his hands doesn't inspire another spat of tats! ;-) ).
5:20 AM
haha, diane. thanks for the laughs. i happen to love his tatts, but that was funny.
it is amazing how he continues to champion the team. when most of us, would understandably, be concentrating on our injury. i suppose that is why he is where he is.
i feel so bad about england, BUT, i expect him back better and stronger, and i have no doubt he'll get at least, his 100 caps.
he has made an impact. but, hopefully next year will be a clean slate, and his full impact will be felt, in the mls with him 100% healthy.
5:43 AM
yeah, another blow for England, but I also agree this might be a blessing in disguise for him because he really needs the rest. In Real Madrid, that's just what happen when he was giving his all and his body was telling him to slow down, the doctors then listen but this team didn't. Positive energy for his injuries to heal faster. because our Becks does not really do well when he is idle :)
Marie
5:56 AM
what time will he have the scan?? Can he still play for England!! I hope so!!
6:43 AM
Becks never should have played for the Galaxy until he was 100% fit but the MLS and the Galaxy are guilty of trying to get every penny they can from his appearances. I think Becks was under pressure to play even though he was injured and not he's paid the price. I hope he recovers quickly but the whole situation is a mess.
7:15 AM
i know you are still trying to get as much info on beckhams injury and keep us posted but can you also post david beckhams soccer usa the uk version on soon
thanks
7:45 AM
Sorry you'll have to watch the US version for now on MLSnet initially they had it set so non-US fans couldn't watch it but now it's accessible to everyone. You have to register on the MLS site but it's free :)
The UK version won't be online until Friday, the nice guy who reocrds them is on holiday in Paris but he's back on Friday :)
8:14 AM
Anne the mum has said me that David has pain to the knee I and Samuele we have prayed and to say to he of to have much hope. Gabriel
8:42 AM
Ciao Gabriel!
We all will pray and I'm sure in a few weeks he will be back to his best! The main thing is for him to be totally healed. He is a very strong and good man and he will come through this. I'm sure your prayers will help!
Anna
8:52 AM
thanks for the comment on david beckhams soccer usa i'll just wait till it gets posted
9:02 AM
I'm still fuming!! But I've calmed down enough to come and say get well Becks and Go to Hell Lalas/Yallop/AEG/SUM and every one who has had a hand in the exploitative approach that the LA Galaxy have taken to their best player.
You have all behaved like little kids at christmas so beside yourselves to get your hands on your new toy that you ended up breaking it.
You have embarrassed yourselves and US soccer, in front of the world. People will think MLS is a joke now. No professional league arranges it's schedule around one player and no professional league plays there players injured.
I'm ashamed of you and sorry that you have done such a wonderful job of making poor David look as if he made the wrong decision. If only a tenth of his class and dignity with the way he has dealt with all of this could rub off on some of you!
Rant over... for now!
9:32 AM
Beckham is a Dad first and foremost, he got his priorities straight, and he is a good captain :), nice comments from him to his teammates. heal well Beckham.
Marie
10:46 AM
strangely, i'm not upset with anyone. i think how becks has handled himself last night has overshadowed my feelings on the management.
i'm just waiting to hear the word on the injury, as i continue to be impressed by his words. (thanks ben, for the new quotes)
so, i'll concentrate on his recovery, and him getting proper rest. today, at least, i've got no rant in me.
11:26 AM
thanks for the pics Anna =)
11:33 AM
Thanks for the audio wav! Very classy the way he starts by saying it's about the team! Hes such a great guy hope things start to go his way!
11:49 AM
Becks needs to recouperate a full six weeks and a couple more to recondition himself. This man is so passionate in his sport sometimes he pushes himself over the limit. The result of which brings us to today... We need to let the guy go into full recovery mode or other injuries may incur that would affect the rest of his career.
1:43 PM
you know, he might not even need the full 6 weeks. that's me being positive. i wish him a full and speedy recovery. i know he's going to be beyond frustrated, over the next few weeks. but, he seems to come out of adversity that much better.
so, i'm looking forward to the better becks taking the field soon.
7:39 PM
Becks is out for 6 weeks...sad..but now he will get his rest and lets hope all goes well for him..the MLS season will be near over..feel bad for him..
7:54 PM
Well,it's official...a "sprained MCL " .....6 - 8 weeks ....I can't even imagine that....hopefully, he'll get the rest he needs and so badly deserves....although...ESPN Sportcenter announced today that BECKs had undergone "Arthroscopic Knee Surgery "???... the online article posted 1hour ago...on ESPNsoccernet.com by Jeff Carlise states " that the team now denies that BECKs ' went under the knife'...whatever the "truth" is...BECKs deserves a REST...it's just unfortunate that we (BECKs FANs) will have to endure the 'slings and arrows' of the media speculating that Becks is a hasbeen,or in it for the money...or this one I've already heard TONIGHT - "not worth the trouble"...I mean ...'Sportcenter' actually itemized his salary against games played and time spent of the field....that still makes me angry !!! ....My only consilation is that the more they 'tear him down' the BETTER and HARDER he'll come BACK....Oct 13th in T.O. is a date I will CIRCLE ON MY CALANDER!!!!....BECKs will kick A** !!!!
Robbi
8:58 PM
I'm trying to follow Becks' example and be gracious myself, but I have to admit that many of the things pru said (and a few extra) are going through my mind!
For his part, every word of Becks' I read or hear, throughout this period, only increases my respect for him -- if that's possible. As we've seen time and again, his strength of character and heart are unique.
I've been out all day and am too nervous to read the press in case Becks is being scapegoated for ANYTHING that has transpired since he arrived on US soil, including his own injury. If I find such, it may take me a long time to turn the computer on again!!!! So know that I am joining everyone in sending all good wishes to knee, ankle, heart and spirit!
9:14 PM
what was the black armband for?
9:58 PM
It was a mark of respect for Antonio Puerta
10:54 PM
Agree 100% with Julie.
Finally he will have the time to get fully recovered.
It does not matter how many weeks it will take.
He just needs to be fully recovered.
11:21 PM
Ok the good news is that a medial collateral ligament will completely heal and not leave the knee weakened or prone to relapses. The other good news is that he needed 6 weaks for his ankle to heal and in a happy coincidence 6 weeks is exactly what he is going to need for his knee. So in 6 weeks or so he should be fully fit!
4:22 AM
Pru, you forgot McClown we mustn't forget McClown. Calling the lad up for a friendly and playing him the full 93 didn't help matters any. McClaren and Yallop are equally culpable for being weak self-serving men who put saving their own sorry backsides ahead of the lads interests. Sorry to go on about McClaren but I actually think he was the one that knocked over the first domino tile so to speak and everything that has happened since was put in motion a year ago by that grinning fool.
4:40 AM
Thanks for the extra quotes Anna and Ben :-)
I don't understand why they kept playing him injured Syd. It seems everyone had their eye only on the quick fix and short term. So sorry that he will be out for six weeks but glad that finally he can recover and he won't be played injured anymore by anyone. Get well Becks! xoxo
5:50 AM
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