The legacy of the world's oldest professional footballer 1:43
(Reuters) -
Kazuyoshi Miura will continue his professional career to age 55 this season after the former Japanese international striker joined the fourth-tier Suzuka Point Getters on loan from Yokohama FC on Tuesday.
Miura, who will turn 55 next month, joined the Japan Football League club following Yokohama's relegation to the second division at the end of last season.
Suzuka is led by his brother, Yasutoshi, and the move marks the continuation of Miura's career into his 37th season.
"I am grateful for the opportunity to play here and will do my best to contribute to the club on the pitch," Miura said in a statement.
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Suzuka will be the 15th club for Miura, who has played in Brazil, Japan, Italy, Croatia and Australia.
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Known as "King Kazu", he became the oldest player to participate in the J-League in March last year, aged 54 years and 12 days, when he came out as a last-minute substitute against Urawa Reds.
He is also the oldest player to score in the J-League, having scored in the second division against Thespakusatsu Gunma in March 2017.
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Miura was the poster boy for Japanese football when the J-League opened in 1993 and led Verdy Kawasaki to the first two league titles.
He played 89 times for Japan, winning the Asian Cup in 1992, and is the second top scorer in the country's history with 55 goals.
Kazuyoshi miura