<strong>Together, let's make history'</strong> - Miura, fifty-eight, signs with new club.

Kazuyoshi Miura, set to turn 59 next month and is recognized globally as football's most senior pro, has agreed to a loan deal until June with Japanese third division side Fukushima United.

This move means Miura could play in the J.League - the top three divisions of Japanese football - for the first time in half a decade.

The former Japan striker, who started his career with the Brazilian club Santos in 1986, failed to score in 69 minutes across seven appearances last season while on loan at JFL side Atletico Suzuka.

"My passion for football hasn't changed, regardless of my age," he said as he prepares for a 41st season as a professional footballer.
"I'm very grateful to be presented with this chance. I vow I will play with everything I have to help the team. Together, we can create a legacy!"

Known as 'King Kazu' in Japan, this will be Miura's fourth loan since 2022 from J2 League side Yokohama FC.

Miura, who has also featured in Australia, Italy, and Croatia, 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.

Miura, who has talked of continuing his career into his seventh decade, said he was ready to "embrace a fresh test" after being relegated last season to Japan's regional leagues.

Fukushima finished 10th in the twenty-club third division last season.

Brian Cook
Brian Cook

A seasoned sports analyst with over a decade of experience in betting markets, specializing in football and horse racing strategies.