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Kazuyoshi Miura, set to turn 59 next month and is recognized globally as football's most senior pro, has finalized a loan deal until June with Japanese third division side Fukushima United.

This move means Miura could play in the Japanese professional league - encompassing the highest tiers of Japanese football - for the first time in half a decade.

The former Japan striker, who began his professional journey with Brazilian side Santos in 1986, did not find the net in 69 minutes across seven appearances last season while on loan at JFL side Atletico Suzuka.

"My love for the game hasn't changed, regardless of my age," he said as he prepares for a forty-first campaign as a professional footballer.

"I'm very grateful to be given this opportunity. I promise I will play with all my heart 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.

The veteran, who has also played club football in Italy, Croatia and Australia, 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 ended 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 "embrace a fresh test" after being demoted last season to the country's lower regional divisions.

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