Japanese football icon King Kazu joins new club aged 58

The renowned Japanese footballer Kazuyoshi Miura has affirmed that his enthusiasm for the sport endures unchanged, following his agreement to play for a third tier side at the age of 58 this Tuesday.

Affectionately called King Kazu, Miura is set to link up with Fukushima United on a loan deal running through to June, marking his 41st year in professional football.

He approaches his 59th birthday in February.

My dedication to football stays the same regardless of my age, declared the ex Japan international in an announcement from his latest team.

I am deeply thankful for the chance to compete in Fukushima, and I pledge to give my all while representing Fukushima United.

Together, let us create something remarkable.

Miura played his previous campaign with the fourth level outfit Atletico Suzuka, featuring in seven matches as they dropped to regional competition following a second from last position and a defeat in the promotion relegation decider.

This transfer brings him back to the J League, encompassing Japans premier three tiers, after a five year absence.

Miura expressed his eagerness to embrace a fresh endeavour with Fukushima, who ended the prior year in 10th place among the 20 entrants in the third division.

To the Fukushima United squad, management, supporters, backers, and the surrounding community, I commit to delivering my utmost effort on the pitch to aid our success, he added.

Miura launched his pro career in 1986 with Santos in Brazil, and has since featured for clubs in Italy, Croatia, Australia, and Portugal.

He played a pivotal role in elevating footballs profile in Japan with the inception of the professional J League in 1993.

His first cap for Japan came in 1990, though he was controversially omitted from the 1998 World Cup roster despite netting 55 times in 89 outings for the national team.