Soltanifar, who was present as Persepolis celebrated winning the 2017-18 Iran Pro League title at the Azadi Stadium on Friday, said Iranian football was perfectly placed for more success.

"I congratulate the sports fraternity, especially football lovers, as this season of football was perfect and we witnessed good events.

"The qualification of our national team for the FIFA World Cup 2018 and the success of our club teams in Asia is commendable.

"The fact that three of our clubs have qualified for the next stage of the AFC Champions League means its time for an Iranian club to win the title," said Soltanifar.

The Round of 16 stage promises to be a thrilling affair with several former AFC Champions League winners taking their place alongside teams who will be aiming to win the coveted title for the first time.

The 20-year-old hit the headlines on Matchday Four with a dramatic late goal against Japan’s Kashiwa Reysol, in a moment that clearly captured the imagination of those who follow the continental competition as the fine effort earned 73 percent of the vote to win the poll.

Persepolis defeated Padideh 1-0 at the Samen al-Aeme Stadium in Mashhad on Saturday with Vahid Amiri scoring the winner in the 77th minute.

Persepolis, who have sealed their place in the Last-16 stage of the 2018 AFC Champions League, have been in sparkling form since missing out on the 2015-16 Iran Pro League title.

Then, they finished runners-up to Esteghlal due to an inferior goal difference but bounced back in style the following season to claim the title with three matches to spare.

The feat has been repeated in 2017-18 and Persepolis, semi-finalists in the 2017 AFC Champions League, have now been the Iranian champions 11 times.