Former Premier League footballer Akos Buzsaky has confirmed he is safe after being reported missing in Hungary.
The 44-year-old, who represented Queens Park Rangers in the top flight, had been listed as missing from Budapest since August 18.
Hungarian police subsequently launched a search for the former midfielder, while QPR and Plymouth Argyle publicly expressed concern for his welfare.
Buzsaky has now reassured supporters by sharing a photograph and an emotional message on social media.
He explained that he had deliberately stepped away from his normal routine after becoming overwhelmed by major changes in his personal life.
Buzsaky also said his concerned mother contacted the authorities following a misunderstanding and confirmed that officials were notified as soon as he learned about the search.
“Dear friends and acquaintances. Unfortunately, significant changes have occurred in my life over the past few months — changes that have truly put me to the test,” he wrote.
Former Premier League footballer Akos Buzsaky has confirmed he is safe after being reported missing in Hungary
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PA
“Things became overwhelming, and I reached a point where I felt I needed to step away from my daily routine; as a result of a misunderstanding, my worried mother contacted the police.
“Thank you so much to everyone who worried about me and kept me in your thoughts.
“As soon as I learned about the situation, I cut my retreat short and we notified the authorities.
“I wish everyone a wonderful day, and I am deeply touched by all the love I’ve received!
“Best regards, Akos Buzsaky.”
The update brought relief after supporters and several of Buzsaky’s former clubs had appealed for information and expressed hopes that he would be located safely.
His father previously said Buzsaky regularly spent time in Greece, where he was working in the construction industry following the conclusion of his football career.
The Hungarian earned 20 senior caps for his country and spent several years playing in England.
He became a popular figure at QPR after joining the west London club from Plymouth in 2007, eventually making 125 appearances and scoring 24 goals.
Akos Buzsaky made 18 Premier League appearances during his career, scoring twice | PA
Buzsaky later helped QPR reach the Premier League and made 18 appearances in the competition, registering two goals and two assists.
He also represented Portsmouth and Barnsley before formally retiring from professional football in 2015.
Speaking on the Hungarian podcast Neked lágy! in 2022, Buzsaky revealed that he had struggled to adapt after leaving the sport.
“I was constantly injured during my career, practically every two years I had a serious injury. I subconsciously prepared myself for the end of my career,” he said.
“At that time, I should have turned to a specialist, because I was in a hole and I couldn’t find the source of joy that football gave me.
“When that stops, people tend to try and experience things that they didn’t have the opportunity to do during the game.
“I became addicted. I found a source of joy in life that I became addicted to. What addictions are there: gambling, alcohol, drugs. I fell into one of them, which I’m not proud of.”
