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<strong>Together, let's create a legacy'</strong> - Kazuyoshi Miura, fifty-eight, signs with a fresh team.

The legendary Japanese striker, who turns 59 in February and is the world's oldest professional footballer, has signed a loan deal until June with Japanese third division side Fukushima United.

This move means Miura might feature in the Japanese professional league - encompassing the highest tiers of football in Japan - for the first time in five years.

The former Japan striker, who began his professional journey with Brazilian side Santos in 1986, failed to score in 69 minutes 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 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 help the team. Together, we can create a legacy!"

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

Miura, who has also featured 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 international career that concluded in 2000, shortly following his notable omission from the squad for Japan's maiden FIFA World Cup campaign.

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 the country's lower regional divisions.

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

By

Penny Weaver

A seasoned journalist with over 15 years of experience covering politics and social issues across the UK and Europe.

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