Former Hungarian international footballer Ákos Buzsáky has broken his silence after being reported missing, reassuring worried friends and supporters that he is safe.
The 44-year-old former midfielder posted a message on Facebook on Thursday, around ten days after his disappearance was reported to the Hungarian authorities. Buzsáky explained that he had deliberately withdrawn from his everyday life following what he described as serious changes in his personal circumstances over recent months.
“Unfortunately, serious changes have happened in my life over the past few months, which have tested me. The waves closed over my head, and I reached the point where I felt I needed to remove myself from these everyday circumstances,” he wrote.
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His mother reported him missing
According to Buzsáky, his mother became concerned about him and contacted the police following a misunderstanding. He said that once he learned what had happened, he ended his period of withdrawal and the authorities were informed.
“I would like to thank you very much for worrying about me and thinking of me. As soon as I became aware of the situation, I ended my retreat and we notified the authorities,” Buzsáky wrote. He also thanked people for the support and affection they had shown him during the period.
“It felt very good to receive so much love,” he added.
The Hungarian police had published Buzsáky’s details among missing persons on 18 August following a report from his mother. His profile was still visible on the police website on Friday morning, although his latest message indicates that the authorities have since been informed that he is safe.
His former club was also worried
The case attracted attention beyond Hungary, with Buzsáky’s former English club Queens Park Rangers (QPR) also expressing concern for the former player. The London club, where Buzsáky spent several years, posted a message asking for information and expressing its concern after news of his disappearance emerged.
Buzsáky joined QPR after moving to England following his spell at FC Porto. He became a popular figure at the club and remained there until 2012.
A career spanning Hungary, Portugal and England
Buzsáky began his senior career at MTK Budapest and also captained Hungary’s under-21 national team. In 2003, he moved to FC Porto, where he won the Portuguese league title and the UEFA Cup with the club.
He subsequently moved to England, initially playing for QPR in the second tier. He later also appeared in England’s third tier before returning to Hungary, where he played for Ferencváros. Buzsáky ended his professional playing career in 2015. From 2018 to 2019, he worked as sporting director at III. Kerületi TVE.
