Victoria Beckham helps husband David into a waiting car outside the Mehilinen private clinic in Finland today where he had emergency surgery two days agoDavid Beckham is given a helping hand by wife Victoria as he struggles into a waiting car - two days after emergency surgery on his torn Achilles tendon.
The couple flew out of Finland, where the procedure was performed on the former England captain, by private jet this afternoon.
The plane carrying the couple took off in a light snow shower shortly after they made the short journey from the clinic where Beckham had surgery on his left foot
The injury will keep him sidelined for at least six months, meaning he will miss the World Cup in South Africa.
A spokesman for the couple said they were due to arrive back in London today.
Earlier, police pushed back dozens of shouting fans as the couple got into a silver Volkswagen van parked outside the clinic in southwestern Finland just before 2pm (1200 GMT).
Escorted by two police cars, they were taken to the local airport
The former England captain was on crutches following the operation on his torn Achilles' tendon
With his left foot in plaster, Beckham looked very down in the dumps
The 34-year-old Beckham tore his left Achilles' tendon when playing for AC Milan on Sunday and underwent surgery in Turku on Monday.Before Beckham's departure, orthopaedic surgeon Sakari Orava said medical teams would review a rehabilitation program for Beckham.
Beckham, who flew to the Mehilainen Clinic in Turku on Monday, was joined a day later by his wife, who also spent the night at the clinic. Local newspapers reported that the couple ordered pizzas late Tuesday.
Orava, who has operated on several international sports stars, stressed the importance of having family close by.
'One's family really can help a lot in such situations,' Orava told Finland's YLE television.
'It's understandable that such a serious injury, which in the worst case scenario could end one's career, can be depressing and the role of the family is to give support.'
Earlier, Orava said that the tendon was totally torn, ruling out his hopes of playing in his fourth World Cup. The tournament starts June 11 in South Africa.
'It is hard to tell, but in general I can say that after an Achilles' tendon tear, a total rupture, people usually are back in sports within half-a-year,' Orava said.
The couple caught a flight home to England from a local airport this afternoon
Beckham boards a private jet at an airport in FinlandAC Milan said Beckham would begin his rehabilitation right away.
'The plan includes a complete recovery in six months, at the end of which he can play again,' the club said.
Orava said Beckham was a good patient and a joy to treat.
'He is a very sympathetic, peaceful and nice person. Looks you in the eyes,' Orava said. 'Our nurses also said that he's a great patient and doesn't complain about.'
Beckham pulls up towards the end of Milan's match with Chievosource: dailymail