Japans ageless King Kazu delighted with J-League return

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Yokohama FCs Japanese striker Kazuyoshi Miura, oldest footballer to score competitive goal, speaks during an interview with Reuters after a training session in Yokohama, Japan, March 21, 2017. REUTERS/Toru Hanai

TOKYO, Jan 9 - Japan soccer great Kazuyoshi Miura, 58, said on Friday he had all but given up on a return to the J-League before signing for Fukushima United, adding that he hopes to contribute with goals and assists in the latest chapter of his age-defying career.

Miura, known as King Kazu, signed a loan deal last month with the Japanese third division side, setting him up for his 41st season as a professional footballer.

The move brings him back to the J-League, Japans top three tiers of professional football, for the first time since 2021.

My passion grows, the more I pursue it (my career). Though Im getting older - this year I will turn 59, I feel that my passion is only growing, Miura told reporters in Tokyo.

While I was in the Japan Football League (fourth-tier),I felt that I wouldnt be able to return to the J-League unless my team was promoted. So when I received the offer (from Fukushima United),my desire to play in the J-League grew even stronger.

The forward, who began his professional career at Brazilian club Santos in 1986, has also played for several European clubs across Italy (Genoa),Croatia (Dinamo Zagreb) and Portugal (Oliveirense).

He made eight appearances for fourth-tier side Atletico Suzuka last season, scoring no goals as