World's oldest professional footballer Kazuyoshi Miura joins new club at the age of 57

Kazuyoshi Miura, the world's oldest professional footballer, has joined the 16th club of his remarkable 37-year playing career.

The former Japan international, who made his professional debut for Brazilian side Santos in 1986, enjoyed spells at Palmeiras, Coritiba, Dinamo Zagreb and Vissel Kobe in the [relatively] early stages of his career.

'King Kazu' then signed a deal with Yokohama FC in 2005.

In fact, he still plays for the J2 League leaders, who have loaned him out on four separate occasions during his 19-year spell at the Mitsuzawa Stadium.

Back in February last year, Miura joined Portuguese second-tier side Oliveirense before making his debut in a 4-1 win over Academico Viseu.

As a result of his brief cameo at the Estadio do Fontelo, he became the oldest footballer to play in Portuguese football at 56 years, one month and 24 days.

After making nine appearances in Portugal, Miuru has now returned to Japan to play for fourth-tier side Atletico Suzuka Club on another loan deal.

"I don't see quitting as a choice that I would consider," Miura told a press conference. "My passion for the game is always high. My passion doesn't wither away."

Image credit: Atletico Suzuka Club

Miura has previously suggested he would continue playing into his 60s – a subject he recently touched on during an interview with World Insight.

"My body is nothing like that of when I was 50," he said. "It’s different from day to day. I’m always wondering how I’ll be the next day, or a week later. So even the slightest pain scares me—a fear that it’s going to lead to an injury.

"I guess the actual time to recover from an injury is no different from young players. But unlike when I was younger, I can’t bring it back at once. In my younger days, I would recover in a linear fashion. But now, if I get injured, I need to go through a process of some rehab, rest, rehab, then rest, seeing how it goes.

"So, for something that takes two weeks for a young athlete, I may take four weeks. Old age is steadily creeping up on you; you can’t disguise that."

Miura added: "Still, I keep on going, because after all, I enjoy soccer. Whether it’s a game in practice or an intrasquad game."