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Kazuyoshi Miura, who turns 59 in February and is recognized globally as football's most senior pro, has finalized a loan deal until June with J3 League club Fukushima United.

The transfer means Miura could play in the Japanese professional league - encompassing the highest tiers 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, did not find the net in just over an hour 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 gears up for a 41st season as a pro footballer.

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

Known as 'King Kazu' in Japan, this will be Miura's fourth temporary move since 2022 from second division club Yokohama FC.

Miura, who has also featured in Italy, Croatia and Australia, joined the club in 2005 but has not played a minute for them since 2020.

He scored 55 goals in 89 games in an international career that ended in 2000, shortly following his surprising exclusion from the squad for Japan's first World Cup finals appearance.

Miura, who has expressed a desire for playing until he is 60, said he was ready to "embrace a fresh test" after being relegated last season to the country's lower regional divisions.

Fukushima United finished 10th in the 20-team third division last season.