Missing ex-Premier League star who sparked police search suddenly speaks out

Former Premier League star Akos Buzsaky has issued a message of reassurance after being reported missing. The 44-year-old was stated as being unaccounted for in Budapest on August 18, prompting the police to appeal for information.

The former midfielder played for Plymouth, QPR, Portsmouth and Barnsley during his career. He made 18 Premier League appearances, contributing two goals and two assists.

And the ex-Hungary international has now posted a statement on his Facebook page - explaining the circumstances behind his disappearance.

He said: "Dear friends and acquaintances! Unfortunately, in the past few months, there have been serious changes in my life that have tested me.

"The dead bodies have been piling up above my head, and there came a moment when I felt I had to break away from these daily routines, due to a misunderstanding, my worried mother pointed me toward the police.

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"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!"

The former top-flight star retired in 2015 after a stint back in his homeland with Ferencvaros. According to his father, he has been working as a construction contractor in recent years.

Speaking to Hungarian outlet Blikk, his father, Akos Buzsaky Sr said: "I didn’t know that the police were also looking for my son.

“He basically spends a lot of time in Greece, where he works as a construction contractor. He spent almost the entire last year there.

“Since we don’t live under the same roof, it’s not surprising that we only speak less often. The last time I spoke to him was last week, when he was at home.”

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Buzsaky Jr has previously discussed his struggles with addiction after retiring from football over a decade ago.

"I found a source of joy in life that I became addicted to," he said on a podcast.

"What addictions are there: gambling, alcohol, drugs. I fell into one of them, which I am not proud of. 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."

Buzsaky started his career at MTK Budapest before moving to Porto in 2002 when they were managed by Jose Mourinho. He later moved to England, initially joining Plymouth on loan in 2005 before heading to QPR.