<strong>Together, let's create a legacy'</strong> - Miura, 58, signs with a fresh team.

Kazuyoshi Miura, 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.

The transfer means Miura might feature in the Japanese professional league - encompassing the highest tiers of Japanese football - for the first time in five years.

The ex-international forward, who began his professional journey 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 pro footballer.

"I am truly thankful to be presented with this chance. I vow I will play with all my heart to make a contribution. Together, we can create a legacy!"

Referred to as 'King Kazu' in Japan, this will be Miura's fourth loan since 2022 from second division club Yokohama FC.

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

He scored 55 goals in 89 games in an international career that concluded in 2000, two years after his notable omission from the squad for Japan's maiden FIFA World Cup campaign.

Miura, 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 United finished 10th in the twenty-club third division last season.