FORMER Blackburn star Claus Reitmaier has announced his two missing children have been found.
In January 2023, Reitmaier’s ex-partner Pricilla Patricia L., went into hiding with their children Whitney (nine) and Cyril (five).
An international search began in August for Pricilla and on Friday she finally turned herself in.
According to BILD the police revealed: “Ms. L. turned herself into the Monchengladbach district court on Friday, September 20.
“The arrest warrant against her was announced and suspended under conditions.
“The whereabouts of the abducted children are known. Both are well.”
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On Instagram, the retired German goalkeeper Reitmaier, 60, expressed his joy, writing, “Hello, it’s done. All wanted ads can be deleted.
“Please take them all out, the children are safe. Fortunately. Thank you very much for your support!”
Reitmaier told the German news outlet BILD on Friday evening: “I am overjoyed that I was able to see my children again today after 616 days.”
His former partner had not returned the children to him on January 15, 2023, as per the custody agreement.
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Despite extensive investigations, their whereabouts remained unknown for months.
At the request of the public prosecutor’s office, the Monchengladbach District Court issued national and European arrest warrants and ordered a public search for the accused.
These were withdrawn after the 35-year-old woman turned herself in.
According to BILD, Ms. L. reported to the police on Friday in consultation with her lawyer.
She had spent time in northern Germany and Austria while the children were with their grandmother.
Reitmaier began his professional career in 1986 with Bavarian club Viktoria Aschaffenburg.
In 1990, he signed with Blackburn Rovers but never got the chance to be their No1 goalkeeper and left after a year after making zero caps.
His most notable period was with Bundesliga side Wolfsburg, where he made 163 appearances from 1998 to 2003.
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After a distinguished 27-year career, Reitmaier retired at SV Halstenbek-Rellingen.
In his final years, he started coaching goalkeepers and since retiring in 2013 he has been the goalkeeping coach at German second-tier side SC Paderborn.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk