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<strong>Together, let's forge history'</strong> - Miura, fifty-eight, signs with a fresh football side.

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

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

The former Japan striker, who started his career with the Brazilian club Santos in 1986, did not find the net in 69 minutes across seven appearances last season while on loan at fourth-tier club Atletico Suzuka.

"My passion for football remains undimmed, no matter how old I get," he said as he gears up for a forty-first campaign as a professional footballer.
"I am truly thankful to be presented with this chance. I vow I will play with all my heart to make a contribution. 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 featured in Australia, Italy, and Croatia, signed for 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, two years after his surprising exclusion from the squad for Japan's first World Cup finals appearance.

Miura, who has talked of playing until he is 60, said he was ready to "take on a new challenge" after being demoted last season to the country's lower regional divisions.

Fukushima United finished 10th in the 20-team third division last season.

By

Rebecca Bradley

A seasoned journalist and tech enthusiast based in London, Elara specializes in digital media and current affairs reporting.

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