<strong>'Let's forge a legacy'</strong> - Miura, fifty-eight, joins a fresh club.

Kazuyoshi Miura, 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 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, failed to score in just over an hour across seven outings last season while on loan at fourth-tier club Atletico Suzuka.

"My passion for football remains undimmed, no matter how old I get," he said as he prepares for a 41st season as a professional footballer.

"I am truly thankful to be presented with this chance. 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.

The veteran, who has also played club football in Italy, Croatia and Australia, joined 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 concluded in 2000, shortly following his surprising exclusion from the squad for Japan's first World Cup finals appearance.

The footballer, who has expressed a desire for playing until he is 60, said he was ready to "take on a new challenge" after being relegated last season to Japan's regional leagues.

Fukushima finished 10th in the 20-team third division last season.