<strong>'Let's make history'</strong> - Kazuyoshi Miura, 58, signs with new club.
The legendary Japanese striker, set to turn 59 next month and is the world's oldest professional footballer, has signed a temporary transfer 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 initial occasion 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 just over an hour across seven appearances last season while on loan at JFL side Atletico Suzuka.
"My love for the game remains undimmed, regardless of my age," he said as he gears up for a 41st season as a professional footballer.
"I am truly thankful to be given this opportunity. I promise I will play with all my heart 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.
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 scored 55 goals in 89 games in an career for the national team that concluded in 2000, two years after 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 "embrace a fresh test" after being relegated last season to Japan's regional leagues.
Fukushima United finished 10th in the 20-team J3 League last season.