Hungarian police have launched a public appeal for information after former Premier League midfielder Akos Buzsaky was reported missing. The 44-year-old, who played for Queens Park Rangers and Portsmouth, has not been seen since August 18 in Budapest.
Career and disappearance
Buzsaky earned 20 caps for Hungary during his playing career, representing Plymouth, QPR, Portsmouth and Barnsley. He made 18 Premier League appearances, scoring two goals and providing two assists. He retired from professional football in 2015 after a spell with Ferencvaros in his native Hungary.
His father, Akos Buzsaky Sr, told Hungarian outlet Blikk that he was unaware police were looking for his son. He said: "I didn't know that the police were also looking for my son."
Father's statement
Buzsaky Sr added that his son works as a construction contractor, spending much of his time in Greece. "He basically spends a lot of time in Greece, where he works as a construction contractor. He spent almost the entire last year there," he said.
"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."
Past struggles and football history
Buzsaky has previously spoken openly about his battles with addiction following his retirement. "I found a source of joy in life that I became addicted to," he revealed 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 began his career at MTK Budapest before moving to Porto in 2002 during Jose Mourinho's tenure as manager. He arrived in England on loan at Plymouth in 2005 before joining QPR permanently in 2008. He spent four years at the west London club, making 125 appearances with 24 goals and 13 assists.
Police have not disclosed the reasons behind their search for Buzsaky.
