<strong>We can make history'</strong> - Miura, fifty-eight, joins a fresh football side.

The legendary Japanese striker, set to turn 59 next month and is recognized globally as football's most senior pro, has agreed to a loan deal until June with J3 League club Fukushima United.

The transfer means Miura could play in the J.League - the top three divisions of Japanese football - for the initial occasion in five years.

The former Japan striker, who started his career 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 prepares for a 41st season as a professional footballer.

"I'm very grateful to be given this opportunity. I vow I will play with everything I have to help the team. 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.

The veteran, who has also played club football in Italy, Croatia and Australia, signed for 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 first World Cup finals appearance.

Miura, who has expressed a desire for continuing his career into his seventh decade, said he was ready to "embrace a fresh test" after being demoted last season to the country's lower regional divisions.

Fukushima ended the season in tenth place in the twenty-club J3 League last season.