TOKYO, June 5 (Xinhua) -- The Japan Football Association (JFA) on Thursday named Kazuyoshi Miura, a veteran football striker as its ambassador to Brazil for World Cup, local media reported.
Miura, 47, often known simply as Kazu, has played for the Japanese national team and was the first Japanese recipient of the Asian Player of the Year award in 1993. He played for several Brazilian clubs including powerhouse Santos in 1980s and is fluent in Portuguese language.
"He is a player who symbolizes the strong link between Japan and Brazil. We are extremely grateful and we think it will be a joyful occasion to have him there," said JFA President Kuniya Daini.
According to Japan's Kyodo News Agency, Miura is scheduled to depart for Brazil on June 12 and return on June 20. He will watch Japan's first match against Cote d'Ivoire in Recife on June 14 but not travel with the Japan team, nor will he visit their training camps.
As the idol of some young football players, Miura is expected to give some inspiration for the Japanese national team.
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