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FIFA president Sepp Blatter has offered England star David Beckham some words of both empathy and sympathy after the player's torn Achilles tendon ruled him out of this summer's World Cup finals in South Africa. Blatter says he can understand how Beckham feels now because he himself has recovered from such an injury in his own, albeit amateur, playing days. "At the risk of coming across as too philosophical so soon after a set-back of this nature, it is true that time heals all wounds and that pain � both physical and mental � does go away," Blatter wrote in a letter to Beckham, according to FIFA.com. "There are certain situations which one only fully understands much, much later." The letter also expressed regret to Beckham that his injury "may prevent [him] from playing in a fourth FIFA World Cup, which would be a record for an England player, and particularly for the physical pain [he] must be in at the moment." The FIFA president also wished the midfielder "a speedy recovery", and added that he was sure that Beckham would "get through this tough situation with your trademark dignity and courage."