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

The legendary Japanese striker, set to turn 59 next month and is the world's oldest professional footballer, has agreed to a loan deal until June with Japanese third division side Fukushima United.

The transfer means Miura could play in the J.League - the top three divisions of Japanese football - for the first time in half a decade.

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

"My passion for football remains undimmed, regardless of my age," he said as he prepares for a 41st season as a pro footballer.
"I am truly thankful to be presented with this chance. I vow I will play with everything I have to make a contribution. Let's make history together!"

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

Miura, who has also played club football in Italy, Croatia and Australia, joined 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 expressed a desire for continuing his career into his seventh decade, said he was ready to "take on a new challenge" after being demoted last season to the country's lower regional divisions.

Fukushima finished 10th in the twenty-club J3 League last season.

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Troy Smith

A passionate travel writer and local expert, sharing her love for Italian culture and hidden gems around Lake Como.

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