<strong>We can make history'</strong> - Miura, fifty-eight, signs with a fresh club.

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

The transfer means Miura might feature in the Japanese professional league - the top three divisions of football in Japan - for the initial occasion in half a decade.

The former Japan striker, who began his professional journey with Brazilian side Santos in 1986, failed to score in just over an hour across seven appearances 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 41st season as a pro footballer.
"I'm very grateful to be given this opportunity. I promise I will play with everything I have to help the team. Together, we can create a legacy!"

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

The veteran, who has also featured in Italy, Croatia and Australia, signed for the club in 2005 but has remained absent from the pitch for them since 2020.

He scored 55 goals in 89 games in an career for the national team that concluded 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 "embrace a fresh test" after being demoted last season to Japan's regional leagues.

Fukushima ended the season in tenth place in the 20-team J3 League last season.

Jason King
Jason King

A tech strategist and writer with over a decade of experience in digital innovation, focusing on emerging technologies and their impact on industries.