Beckham is expected to miss the World Cup after rupturing his Achilles tendon in the Rossoneri's 1-0 win over Chievo yesterday, with Galliani expecting the midfielder to miss "five or six months".

That would end the 34-year-old's second loan stint at Milan from the Los Angeles Galaxy, which runs until the end of the season.

Galliani told Italian newspaper La Repubblica: "David will probably be out for five to six months. I saw him suffering.

"I gave him a hug in the changing rooms and I told him that if he wants, next year he will be with us."

Beckham, who will be 35 in May, was understood to be flying to Finland today to have surgery.

Speculation is rife it could signal the end of his career, but Galliani expects him to battle back.

"He came to Milan to be called up by (England boss Fabio) Capello," said Galliani. "Unfortunately, this is football but Beckham has great willpower."

Galliani also sang the praises of surgeon Sakari Orava, who is expected to carry out the operation.

"He is a genius in his field," said Galliani.

Former England striker Andy Cole does not expect Beckham to call it a day just yet.

"He'll come back from the injury, I don't think he'll want to retire on this note," Cole told BBC Radio Five Live. "He'll work his socks off to try to get himself fit.

"It's devastating news for David, his heart was set on going to a fourth World Cup. He will be heartbroken.

"It's not a nice injury, there's a lot of pain and it's a long way back."

Beckham had looked certain to be part of Capello's 23-man squad for this summer's finals in South Africa, despite being largely limited to substitute appearances.

"Every time he's come on for England, everyone knows his quality," Cole added. "He came on for 20 minutes at Old Trafford last week and he was fantastic.

"If he had gone to the World Cup, I think he will be missed, even if as an impact player.''

Capello will be dreading any further injuries in the coming months, particularly to the likes of Wayne Rooney, but Cole added: "Injuries are part and parcel of football, we can't wrap our players in cotton wool.

"You just hope they get through the season unscathed and do well in the World Cup.''

mfl