Fabio Capello has spoken with David Beckham to commiserate over the injury that will rule the former England skipper out of this summer's World Cup.
We’re sorry. This video is unavailable from your location.
Beckham suffered a major Achilles injury during AC Milan's Serie A encounter with Chievo on Sunday evening, ending his hopes of featuring in a fourth World Cup for his country in South Africa this summer.
Both Capello and his trusted assistant Franco Baldini were on the phone to offer their best wishes for Beckham to ultimately make a full recovery, knowing they could write the 34-year-old out of their own plans for South Africa.
Beckham sustained the injury without coming into contact with anyone else, limping to the sidelines for treatment in a match Milan went on to win 1-0.
Milan coach Leonardo said after the game: "Beckham's injury makes us feel terrible."
"He is an extraordinary guy and the game proves it yet again."
"I cannot enjoy this evening considering this serious injury."
"David understood immediately that he had torn his Achilles tendon."
Beckham now misses the showpiece in South Africa while there must also be doubts over his career.
He recently joined Milan for a second loan spell from the Los Angeles Galaxy in a bid to prove his fitness to Capello.
"Beckham is not well," added AC Milan midfielder Ignazio Abate.
"To see him suffer like that has really touched us."
Clarence Seedorf found it hard to celebrate his match-winning strike knowing that Beckham could have a long injury lay-off.
"It's always ugly to be out because of an injury," said the Dutchman.
"But it will mean that we will all need to give everything we have even for those who will not be with us."
"They deserve that for what they have done so far this season."
Whilst Beckham must now concentrate on overcoming an injury that threatens his entire career, Capello must make alternative plans.
The Italian always knew he would be hostage to injury over the final three months of the season, and repeatedly stressed getting his players to the World Cup fit was a far bigger concern, even than any disharmony in the camp that might have created by John Terry's off-field trauma.
© Press Association