Tokyo, June 5: The Japan Football Association (JFA) Thursday named veteran football striker Kazuyoshi Miura as its ambassador for the FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

The 47-year-old, known as Kazu, played for Japan 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, reports Xinhua.

"He is a player who symbolises the strong link between Japan and Brazil. We are extremely grateful and think it will be a joyful occasion to have him there," said JFA president Kuniya Daini.

Miura is scheduled to leave for Brazil June 12 and return June 20. He will watch Japan's first match against Cote d'Ivoire in Recife June 14 but not travel with the team nor will he visit their training camps.

IANS