<strong>'Let's forge history'</strong> - Miura, fifty-eight, joins a fresh club.

The legendary Japanese striker, set to turn 59 next month and is the world's oldest professional footballer, has signed a loan deal until June with Japanese third division side Fukushima United.

The transfer means Miura might feature in the J.League - the top three divisions of football in Japan - 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 just over an hour across seven appearances last season while on loan at JFL side Atletico Suzuka.

"My love for the game hasn't changed, no matter how old I get," he said as he prepares for a 41st season as a professional footballer.
"I'm very grateful to be given this opportunity. I promise I will play with everything I have to make a contribution. Together, we can create a legacy!"

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

Miura, who has also played club football in Italy, Croatia and Australia, joined 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, shortly following his notable omission from the squad for Japan's first World Cup finals appearance.

The footballer, who has talked of continuing his career into his seventh decade, said he was ready to "take on a new challenge" after being relegated last season to the country's lower regional divisions.

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

John Ramsey
John Ramsey

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