David Beckham will be welcome back for a third spell at AC Milan next year, according to their vice-president Adriano Galliani.
Beckham is expected to miss the World Cup after rupturing his Achilles tendon in the Rossoneri's 1-0 win over Chievo, 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, is 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 will power."
Galliani also sang the praises of surgeon Sakari Orava, who will carry out the operation.
"He is a genius in his field," said Galliani.
Galliani was rued his side's bad luck after they lost Alessandro Nesta to injury.
"We are talking about two world class players," Galliani told La Repubblica. "These episodes overshadow any joy (after the win)."
The pair will be operated on today.
Milan are second in Serie A, one point off leaders and city rivals Inter.
