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

The transfer means Miura could play in the Japanese professional league - the top three divisions of football in Japan - for the first time in half a decade.

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

"My passion for football hasn't changed, regardless of my age," he said as he gears up for a 41st season as a professional footballer.

"I am truly thankful to be given this opportunity. I promise I will play with all my heart to help the team. Let's make history together!"

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 Australia, Italy, and Croatia, signed for the club in 2005 but has remained absent from the pitch 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 expressed a desire for continuing his career into his seventh decade, said he was ready to "embrace a fresh test" after being relegated last season to the country's lower regional divisions.

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