Former Queens Park Rangers midfielder Akos Buzsaky has assured fans and well-wishers that he is safe, days after reports surfaced in his native Hungary claiming he had gone missing.
Earlier this week, Hungarian media reported that the 44-year-old former international had not been seen for over a week, prompting local police to launch a search. The news sparked concern among former clubs and supporters who followed his career in English football.
On Friday, Buzsaky put those fears to rest by posting a personal message on Facebook, which QPR subsequently shared on X to inform their fanbase. In the statement, the former midfielder explained that he had been going through a difficult period in his personal life.
"Unfortunately, in the last few months, there have been serious changes in my life that have tested me," Buzsaky wrote. "There came a moment when I felt I had to break away from these daily routines."
He clarified that the missing persons report stemmed from a mix-up involving his mother, who had alerted police out of concern. "A soon as I learned about the situation, I stopped my retreat and informed the authorities," he said, addressing the confusion that had led to the search.
Buzsaky went on to express gratitude for the outpouring of support he received once news of his disappearance spread. "Thank you very much for all the concern and thoughts you have shown me," he added. "I wish everyone a nice day, and it felt really good to receive so much love!"
The midfielder, who represented Hungary at international level, is best remembered by English fans for his lengthy spell with QPR. He initially arrived at Loftus Road on loan in 2007 before going on to spend five seasons with the club, becoming a notable figure in the side's midfield during that period.
Beyond his time in west London, Buzsaky also featured for several other English clubs, including Plymouth Argyle, Portsmouth, and Barnsley. Across his career in the UK, he made 243 appearances and scored 33 goals, establishing himself as a reliable creative presence in the lower and middle tiers of English football.
His sudden disappearance had raised alarm given his profile as a recognizable name from that era of QPR's history, with many fans and former teammates reportedly following developments closely as the search unfolded in Hungary.
With Buzsaky now confirming his safety and thanking those who showed concern for his wellbeing, the situation appears to have been resolved without further incident. No additional details have been released regarding the exact nature of the personal difficulties he referenced, and it remains unclear whether he plans to make any further public statements on the matter.
For now, the message from Buzsaky himself, amplified by his former club, serves as confirmation that the immediate concerns over his whereabouts have been put to rest, bringing a quick resolution to a story that had generated significant worry among those who remembered his contributions on the pitch during his years in English football.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport Football.