The world football record continues to expand his legend. Kazuyoshi Miura has celebrated this Sunday with his 40th season as a professional football player starting as a starter and playing the first 45 minutes of the crash of the fourth Japanese division between the Atletico Suzuka And the Veertien Mie.
On June 15 'Kazu' already played 8 minutes before him YSCC Yokohamabut his club has wanted to honor him with a party in a local match to celebrate a round figure to his 58 years (and 130 days).
“I know it is rare for a professional athlete to celebrate his 40th season and I feel really lucky and grateful. I think I can continue playing and I told my teammates before today's game that if I am able to be thanks to their support, “said Miura against the press after a historic match.
Legend data: five decades and three continents
The legend of Miura is endorsed by the data. As he remembered 'Fifa Museum' A few weeks ago, the race at the 'King Kazu' club level has been extended by three different continents and five decades. And at the selection level, with 55 goals in 89 games, it is the second maximum international scorer in Japan of all time. His last two goals with the Athletic Suzuka, yes, date back to November 2022.
The last two goals of Kazuyoshi Miura … with 55 years!
“My motivation lies in working hard and giving my best to be able to play as today with my classmates. Keep training daily and maintaining the desire to continue improving at my age is hard, but that is what motivates me“He added leaving the door open to continue playing up to 60 years.
From Japan to Brazil to succeed … inspired by Oliver and Benji
The figure of 'Kazu' Miura grew up to the famous manga ‘Captain Tsubasa’ ('Champions: Oliver and Benji'in Spain). The 'anime' series was broadcast in Japan between 1983 and 1986, just the year in which the player debuted with him Santos Brazilian. After returning to Japan in 1990, Miura won the prize MVP in the opening season of the J-League in 1993 while playing in the now Tokyo Verdy (old Verdy Kawasaki).
Among his conquests as a pioneer of Japanese football is that of being the First Asian to play series A In the 1994-95 season with the Genoa. Miura also wore the shirts of Dinamo Zagreb and the Sydney fcin addition to those of Kyoto Sanga, Vissel Kobe o Yokohama fcamong others. His last international adventure, with 55 years, led him to try his luck in the Oliveirense of the second Portuguese division.
