<strong>Together, let's create a legacy'</strong> - Miura, 58, joins new team.

The legendary Japanese striker, who turns 59 in February and is recognized globally as football's most senior pro, has finalized a temporary transfer until June with J3 League club Fukushima United.

This move means Miura could play in the Japanese professional league - encompassing the highest tiers of football in Japan - 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 JFL side Atletico Suzuka.

"My love for the game remains undimmed, no matter how old I get," he said as he gears up for a forty-first campaign as a pro footballer.

"I'm very grateful to be given this opportunity. I promise I will play with everything I have to help the team. Together, we can create a legacy!"

Referred to as 'King Kazu' in Japan, this will be Miura's fourth loan since 2022 from J2 League side Yokohama FC.

Miura, who has also played club football in Italy, Croatia and Australia, signed for the club in 2005 but has not played a minute for them since 2020.

He netted 55 goals in 89 games in an international career that ended in 2000, two years after his notable omission from the squad for Japan's first World Cup finals appearance.

The footballer, who has talked of playing until he is 60, said he was ready to "embrace a fresh test" after being relegated last season to the country's lower regional divisions.

Fukushima United ended the season in tenth place in the 20-team J3 League last season.