<strong>We can make a legacy'</strong> - Miura, fifty-eight, signs with new team.

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

The transfer means Miura could play in the Japanese professional league - the top three divisions of Japanese football - for the first time in five years.

The ex-international forward, who began his professional journey with the Brazilian club Santos in 1986, failed to score in just over an hour 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 gears up for a 41st season as a pro footballer.
"I am truly thankful to be presented with this chance. I promise I will play with everything I have to help the team. Let's make history together!"

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

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

He netted 55 goals in 89 games in an career for the national team that concluded 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 ended the season in tenth place in the twenty-club J3 League last season.

Debbie Garcia
Debbie Garcia

A tech journalist and digital strategist with over a decade of experience covering emerging technologies and their impact on global markets.