Just one month shy of turning 59, Kazuyoshi Miura has been working hard to prepare his aging body for one more go at J-League soccer for the first time in five years.
Miura, the 58‑year‑old former Japan national team ace and one of world soccer’s longest‑active professionals, said he is “excited” and “looking forward to the challenge” as he joins J3 side Fukushima United FC on loan.
Miura, known as “King Kazu,” spoke at a news conference in Tokyo on Jan. 9.
Turning 59 in late February, Miura spent the past month conducting his off‑season routine of individual training.
“There were definitely things I was worried about,” he said. “But after a month of training camp, I feel I’ve been able to move forward physically.”
“Competing in J3 will be tough, but I want to grow, earn playing time and contribute to the team’s victories. Right now, hope outweighs everything else.”
Miura added that although it is difficult to quantify his physical readiness, he feels fully prepared to join the full team’s training camp.
As for goal‑scoring targets this season, he said he must first earn playing time but maintains a strong image of scoring in his mind.
Entering his 41st professional season, Miura reiterated his enduring motivation.
“My mindset heading into the season is the same every year,” he said. “I want to be on the pitch for as many minutes and seconds as possible. That’s all.”
Miura moves from J2 club Yokohama FC on a loan deal through June 30 and is scheduled to join his new teammates on Jan. 10.
The veteran forward last played in the three-tier J‑League in the 2021 season, when Yokohama FC competed in J1.
While contracted to Yokohama FC, he spent the past few seasons on loan in the amateur‑tier Japan Football League (JFL) and Portugal’s second division.
15TH ANNIVERSARY OF ‘KAZU DANCE’
Fukushima will mark 15 years since the devastating 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami in March.
Miura’s memorable “Kazu dance” celebration after scoring in a charity match for disaster relief in Osaka that year remains widely and fondly remembered.
“That goal is something that has stayed with me,” he said. “I hope I can score new goals to celebrate together with the people of Fukushima.”
That hope may be realized in the “100 Year Vision League,” a special competition running from February through June as part of the J‑League’s transition to a new season calendar.
Fukushima United CEO Jun Koyama said the club expects Miura’s presence to have a significant impact.
“His professionalism–whether in physical preparation or mentality–will help drive the team’s growth,” he said.
Original Source: This article was originally published on Asahi Sports. Click the link to view the full article.