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<strong>We can make history'</strong> - Kazuyoshi Miura, 58, signs with a fresh football side.

The legendary Japanese striker, who turns 59 in February and is recognized globally as football's most senior pro, has agreed to a temporary transfer until June with Japanese third division side Fukushima United.

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

The former Japan striker, who started his career with Brazilian side Santos in 1986, failed to score in 69 minutes across seven outings last season while on loan at fourth-tier club Atletico Suzuka.

"My love for the game remains undimmed, regardless of my age," he said as he prepares for a 41st season as a professional footballer.
"I am truly thankful to be given this opportunity. I promise I will play with everything I have to make a contribution. 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 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 international career that ended in 2000, shortly following his surprising exclusion from the squad for Japan's maiden FIFA World Cup campaign.

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

Fukushima finished 10th in the 20-team J3 League last season.

DB
Written by

Daniel Benton

A tech journalist with over a decade of experience covering digital transformation and emerging technologies across Europe.

ViperaPlus UK

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