The former Argentina international replaces Croatian Branko Ivankovic, who is now leading Saudi Arabia's Al Ahli.

Persepolis announced Calderon's signing on Monday and the Islamic Republic of Iran giants will be counting on the former midfielder, who played for Argentina in the 1982 and 1990 FIFA World Cups, to continue their dominance in the Iran Pro League.

The 50-year-old left Greek side PAOK Thessaloniki last month after guiding them to a historic unbeaten Greek Super League tile; their first since 1985.

Prior to his successful stint in Greece, Lucescu had managed Rapid Bucharest, Brasov and Petrolul Ploiesti in his native Romania. He also had a two-year spell in Asian football, which saw him win the Qatar Stars Cup with El Jaish in 2012-13.

Confirming the appointment of the Croatian on their official Twitter account, Al Ahli said Ivankovic has signed a two-year contract with the club.

The 65-year-old replaces local coach Yousif Anbar who had been installed as caretaker in April following the dismissal of Uruguayan manager Jorge Fossati who lasted just over two months at Al Ahli.

FIFA World Cup winner Xavi, who played his last competitive match in a 2019 AFC Champions League tie against Islamic Republic of Iran's Persepolis on May 20, had announced his retirement on May 2.

Defending champions Kashima Antlers, a pair of two-time winners in Guangzhou Evergrande and Urawa Red Diamonds, and former semi-finalists Shanghai SIPG emerged victorious from the East half of the AFC Champions League's Round of 16. The-AFC.com delves into some of the numbers that tell the story of the week's matches.

Social media posts, big game mentality and tears of joy all feature as the-AFC.com talks to those involved in the latest edition of the Continent's most presitigious competition.