ONE of the longest careers in soccer has been extended after 49-year-old Japanese striker Kazuyoshi Miura renewed his contract with second-division J-League club Yokohama FC on Wednesday.

    Miura, who will turn 50 Feb. 26, will enter his 32nd season this year.

    Miura played in 20 league games last year and scored twice. On Aug. 7, he scored in a match against Cerezo Osaka to make him the J-League’s oldest scorer at 49 years, 5 months, 12 days.

    Miura played for Brazilian club Santos and in Italy with Genoa early in his career.

    “I hope to keep fighting with all my might together with people involved with the club, my teammates and supporters who have always backed me,” he said.

    Miura — known as “King Kazu” — scored 55 goals in 89 appearances for Japan but retired from international soccer in 2000.

    He is the oldest player to take part in the Emperor’s Cup tournament.

    (SD-Agencies)