Soon to be 55 years old, Kazuyoshi Miura, Japanese football star, will soon be back on the pitch because he is coveted by two Japanese 4th division clubs, local press revealed on Sunday. The player, nicknamed “King Kazu”, is currently training in Osaka and hopes to play until the age of 60. He was contacted by two JFL (Japan Football League) clubs, the Suzuka Point Getters, led by his older brother, and Kochi United, according to the Nikkan Sports daily.
“I still have the passion. I want a club with a clear vision, capable of playing the climb, ”explains the veteran, always green.
89 caps with Japan
Last year, Miura had already improved his record as the oldest footballer in Japan by playing in the J-League (D1) for Yokohama FC, who have reportedly returned for this season. But he only played one minute and the team finished last in the championship (no relegation).
Recognized as one of the most popular Asian players in the 90s, Miura, who turns 55 on February 26, began his professional career with Brazilian club Santos in 1986. He also wore Genoa (Serie A), Croatia Zagreb and FC Sydney, scoring 222 goals in 853 professional matches.
Author of 55 goals in 89 selections with Japan, he was however excluded from the team which played its first World Cup in 1998 in France. He consoled himself by also becoming an international indoor football player, in 2012, at the age of 45.