<strong>We can forge a legacy'</strong> - Miura, 58, joins a fresh football side.

The legendary Japanese striker, who turns 59 in February and is the world's oldest professional footballer, has agreed to a loan deal until June with J3 League club Fukushima United.

The transfer means Miura might feature in the J.League - encompassing the highest tiers of football in Japan - for the initial occasion in five years.

The former Japan striker, who began his professional journey with the Brazilian club Santos in 1986, failed to score in just over an hour across seven outings last season while on loan at fourth-tier club Atletico Suzuka.

"My love for the game remains undimmed, no matter how old I get," he said as he gears up for a forty-first campaign as a professional footballer.
"I am truly thankful to be presented with this chance. I promise I will play with everything I have to make a contribution. Together, we can create a legacy!"

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

Miura, who has also featured in Italy, Croatia and Australia, signed for the club in 2005 but has not played a minute for them since 2020.

He scored 55 goals in 89 games in an career for the national team that ended in 2000, two years after his notable omission from the squad for Japan's first World Cup finals appearance.

Miura, who has expressed a desire for playing until he is 60, said he was ready to "take on a new challenge" after being demoted last season to Japan's regional leagues.

Fukushima United finished 10th in the twenty-club J3 League last season.

Jaime Lee
Jaime Lee

A seasoned travel writer with over a decade of experience exploring hidden gems and luxury destinations across continents.