Japan's 'King Kazu', 59, scores his first goal for four years

TOKYO, JULY 27: The 59-year-old former Japan striker Kazuyoshi Miura scored his first competitive goal in almost four years when his Fukushima United side strolled to a 7-0 win at the weekend.

In his 41st professional season, the grey-haired veteran nicknamed "King Kazu" netted Japan third division side Fukushima's fifth in an Emperor's Cup qualifier against Iwaki Furukawa FC, his first goal since November 2022.

Miura latched on to a 52nd-minute cross by Takatora Einaga inside the box to slot home, rolling back the years to beat two defenders to the ball. "It was a bit of a scramble, but what matters is that we were in the right spots, so I think we positioned ourselves well," Miura said.

"I wanted to live up to the expectations of everyone, including the coach who gave me the opportunity to play until that point.

"Above all, I was so happy that, even when we were already way ahead, the players, staff, and fans were all able to celebrate that one goal together with such joy."

Miura made his professional debut in 1986 for Brazilian team Santos and has also played for teams in Italy, Croatia, Australia and Portugal.    �"AFP