<strong>We can create history'</strong> - 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 agreed to a loan deal until June with J3 League club Fukushima United.

The transfer means Miura could play in the J.League - the top three divisions of Japanese football - for the first time in five years.

The former Japan striker, who started his career with the Brazilian club Santos in 1986, did not find the net in 69 minutes across seven outings last season while on loan at fourth-tier club 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'm very grateful to be presented with this chance. I promise I will play with all my heart to help the team. Let's make history together!"

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 netted 55 goals in 89 games in an international career that ended in 2000, two years after his surprising exclusion from the squad for Japan's first World Cup finals appearance.

Miura, who has expressed a desire for 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 20-team third division last season.