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.
The transfer means Miura might feature in the J.League - encompassing the highest tiers of football in Japan - for the first time in five years.
The former Japan striker, who started his career 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 passion for football hasn't changed, no matter how old I get," he said as he gears up for a 41st season as a pro footballer.
"I am truly thankful to be given this opportunity. I promise I will play with everything I have 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 second division club Yokohama FC.
The veteran, who has also featured in Italy, Croatia and Australia, signed for the club in 2005 but has remained absent from the pitch for them since 2020.
He netted 55 goals in 89 games in an international career that concluded in 2000, two years after his surprising exclusion from the squad for Japan's maiden FIFA World Cup campaign.
Miura, who has talked of continuing his career into his seventh decade, said he was ready to "embrace a fresh test" after being relegated last season to Japan's regional leagues.
Fukushima United finished 10th in the twenty-club J3 League last season.
