A day after his 52nd birthday, former Japan striker Kazuyoshi Miura said Wednesday his "passion" for soccer was driving him to continue playing at a professional level.

"My passion for soccer has not changed since I turned pro at the age of 18," Miura, a forward with J. League second-division side Yokohama FC, told reporters. "I even feel like it is growing. Passion is what drives me forward the most."

Now in his 34th season, the man known to fans as "King Kazu" is believed to be the oldest professional soccer player in the world.