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Bonus Beat UK

<strong>'Let's make a legacy'</strong> - Kazuyoshi Miura, 58, signs with a fresh football side.

The legendary Japanese striker, who turns 59 in February 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 football in Japan - for the initial occasion in five years.

The former Japan striker, who started his career with the Brazilian club Santos in 1986, failed to score in 69 minutes across seven outings last season while on loan at fourth-tier club Atletico Suzuka.

"My passion for football hasn't changed, no matter how old I get," he said as he prepares for a 41st season as a pro footballer.
"I'm very grateful to be presented with this chance. I promise I will play with everything I have to make a contribution. Together, we can create a legacy!"

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

Miura, who has also featured in Italy, Croatia and Australia, joined the club in 2005 but has remained absent from the pitch for them since 2020.

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

Miura, who has talked of continuing his career into his seventh decade, said he was ready to "take on a new challenge" after being demoted last season to the country's lower regional divisions.

Fukushima United finished 10th in the twenty-club J3 League last season.

The writer

Elizabeth Kelly

Elara is a passionate music journalist with over a decade of experience covering indie and mainstream artists across the UK.

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