Kazuyoshi Miura said Tuesday he can still recall playing in the J. League opener, as the professional league marked its 25th anniversary.

The 51-year-old Yokohama FC forward, who is in his 33rd season as a professional soccer player, was a key member of the Verdy Kawasaki side, now known as Tokyo Verdy, in the match against Yokohama Marinos on May 15, 1993.

"It's been 25 years. There were years when I remembered the day on May 15, but I didn't notice this year," Miura said after training with his second-division side.