<strong>Together, let's forge history'</strong> - Miura, 58, signs with new team.

Kazuyoshi Miura, set to turn 59 next month and is recognized globally as football's most senior pro, has agreed to a temporary transfer until June with J3 League club Fukushima United.

This move means Miura might feature in the J.League - the top three divisions of Japanese football - for the first time in five years.

The former Japan striker, who started his career with the Brazilian club Santos in 1986, did not find the net in 69 minutes across seven outings last season while on loan at fourth-tier club Atletico Suzuka.

"My love for the game remains undimmed, regardless of my age," he said as he prepares for a 41st season as a pro footballer.
"I am truly thankful to be presented with this chance. I vow I will play with all my heart to make a contribution. Together, we can create a legacy!"

Referred to as 'King Kazu' in Japan, this will be Miura's fourth temporary move since 2022 from second division club Yokohama FC.

The veteran, who has also featured in Australia, Italy, and Croatia, joined the club in 2005 but has remained absent from the pitch for them since 2020.

He netted 55 goals in 89 games in an career for the national team that ended in 2000, shortly following his surprising exclusion from the squad for Japan's maiden FIFA World Cup campaign.

The footballer, who has talked of playing until he is 60, said he was ready to "take on a new challenge" after being relegated last season to the country's lower regional divisions.

Fukushima ended the season in tenth place in the twenty-club third division last season.

Steven Proctor
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