<strong>Together, let's create history'</strong> - Kazuyoshi Miura, 58, moves to new team.

The legendary Japanese striker, who turns 59 in February and is the world's oldest professional footballer, has agreed to a temporary transfer until June with Japanese third division side Fukushima United.

This move means Miura might feature in the Japanese professional 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, failed to score in 69 minutes across seven outings last season while on loan at fourth-tier club Atletico Suzuka.

"My passion for football remains undimmed, no matter how old I get," he said as he gears up for a forty-first campaign as a professional footballer.

"I'm very grateful to be given this opportunity. I vow I will play with all my heart to make a contribution. Let's make history together!"

Referred to 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 played club football 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 career for the national team that concluded in 2000, shortly following his surprising exclusion from the squad for Japan's first World Cup finals appearance.

The footballer, who has talked of playing until he is 60, said he was ready to "take on a new challenge" after being demoted last season to the country's lower regional divisions.

Fukushima United ended the season in tenth place in the 20-team J3 League last season.