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<strong>'Let's forge history'</strong> - Kazuyoshi Miura, fifty-eight, joins new football side.

The legendary Japanese striker, set to turn 59 next month 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 could play in the J.League - encompassing the highest tiers of Japanese football - for the initial occasion in five years.

The ex-international forward, who began his professional journey with the Brazilian club Santos in 1986, did not find the net in just over an hour across seven appearances last season while on loan at fourth-tier club Atletico Suzuka.

"My passion for football hasn't changed, regardless of my age," he said as he gears up for a forty-first campaign as a professional footballer.
"I'm very grateful to be given this opportunity. 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.

Miura, who has also featured in Australia, Italy, and Croatia, 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 concluded 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 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.

ED
By

Erika Dunn

International business strategist with 15+ years of experience in emerging markets and cross-border trade.

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