<strong>Together, let's create history'</strong> - Kazuyoshi Miura, fifty-eight, joins a fresh team.

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 first time in half a decade.

The ex-international forward, who started his career with the Brazilian club 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 hasn't changed, regardless of my age," he said as he gears up for a 41st season as a pro footballer.

"I'm very grateful to be given this opportunity. I promise 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 loan since 2022 from J2 League side Yokohama FC.

Miura, who has also featured in Australia, Italy, and Croatia, joined the club in 2005 but has remained absent from the pitch for them since 2020.

He netted 55 goals in 89 games in an career for the national team that concluded in 2000, shortly following his surprising exclusion from the squad for Japan's maiden FIFA World Cup campaign.

Miura, 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.