Akos Buzsaky confirms he is safe after missing persons report in Hungary

Former Premier League midfielder Akos Buzsaky has confirmed he is safe after being reported missing in Hungary, releasing a statement on Friday to clarify that his disappearance was a deliberate withdrawal during a difficult period in his personal life rather than cause for alarm.

Hungarian media had reported that the 44-year-old had not been seen for approximately a week. QPR, one of Buzsaky’s former clubs, also confirmed on Friday morning that he is alive and well.

“Unfortunately, in the past few months, there have been serious changes in my life that have tested me,” Buzsaky said in his statement. “There came a moment when I felt I had to break away from these daily routines.”

He added that he had not been aware of the public concern until it reached him, at which point he ended his retreat and contacted the authorities. “Thank you very much for all the concern and thoughts you have shown me. As soon as I learned about the situation, I stopped my retreat and informed the authorities. I wish everyone a very nice day and it felt really good to receive so much love.”

Buzsaky, who also played for Plymouth Argyle and Portsmouth during his time in English football, retired in 2015 due to persistent injury problems. He has previously spoken openly about personal struggles that followed the end of his playing career, including a public acknowledgement of falling into addiction.

“What addictions are there: gambling, alcohol, drugs. I fell into one of them, which I am not proud of,” he said in a podcast interview after retiring. “It is a part of my life, if I were to deny it or declare that period as not having happened, I would be deceiving myself.”

The story is developing.