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<strong>'Let's make a legacy'</strong> - Kazuyoshi Miura, 58, joins 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 could play in the Japanese professional league - encompassing the highest tiers of football in Japan - for the first time 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 outings last season while on loan at fourth-tier club Atletico Suzuka.

"My passion for football hasn't changed, no matter how old I get," he said as he prepares for a 41st season as a pro footballer.
"I am truly thankful to be presented with this chance. I promise I will play with all my heart to help the team. Let's make history together!"

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

The veteran, 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 netted 55 goals in 89 games in an international career that ended in 2000, two years after his surprising exclusion from the squad for Japan's maiden FIFA World Cup campaign.

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 twenty-club third division last season.

JW
Written by

Jill Wiggins

Eleanor Frost is a digital marketing strategist with over a decade of experience in content creation and social media analytics.

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