The 22-year-old played a key role as Japan’s Kashima Antlers sealed their maiden continental crown with a 0-0 second leg draw away to Persepolis of the Islamic Republic of Iran on Saturday, after winning the first leg of the final 2-0.

The young Japan star was in no doubt as to the magnitude of the team’s success, and is sure it is a triumph he will look back on with great pride in years to come.

A tough night in Tehran saw Islamic Republic of Iran's Persepolis fail to breach the backline of Japanese side Kashima Antlers, as a goalless draw was enough to see the AFC Champions League title lifted by a J.League side for a second year running.

Nevertheless, Iraq international Resan was in philosophical mood after the second leg of the final concluded at Azadi Stadium.

Aiwa led from the front as Kashima utilised their game plan to perfection to blunt Persepolis, holding the Islamic Republic of Iran side to a 0-0 draw to win their first AFC Champions League title 2-0 on aggregate.

Fittingly, the title the Japanese club craved the most turned out to be the 20th major honour in their history and Oiwa paid tribute to his players.

"It was a very tough game but my players were very mobile, battled well and I am delighted with the result. I lost my voice but it is worth it," said Oiwa.

The fact that his players and the team's fans gave it their all meant Persepolis had won despite Kashima Antlers holding them to a 0-0 draw to seal their first AFC Champions League title with a 2-0 win on aggregate.

"I am so proud of my players, they tried so hard and put all their energy into the match. They are winners," said Ivankovic.

"I am also so proud of the great atmosphere, the Persepolis fans showed they are the best and we appreciate them."

A stalwart rearguard action from the visitors frustrated their hosts and the bulk of the 100,000 supporters who had crammed themselves into the cavernous venue in Tehran, with Persepolis unable to reduce Kashima’s two-goal advantage.

Of the few chances that did fall Persepolis’ way, the majority came to striker Ali Alipour but he was unable to make them count, as Go Oiwa’s side secured the 0-0 draw to make it back-to-back Asian champions from the J.League after Urawa Red Diamonds’ triumph last year.

Suzuki's performances in the 2018 AFC Champions League played a pivotal role in Kashima's surge to the title for the first time, with the 22-year-old striker - with two goals to his name - having developed a solid understanding with Brazilian Serginho.

"I am really, really happy with the fact that I was selected for the ACL MVP. but this award is not just about myself but it’s the result of the team performance," said Suzuki.

The Al Sadd forward matched the all-time single tournament record held by Muriqui who netted the same tally by the conclusion of Guangzhou Evergrande's 2013 campaign.

However, unlike Muriqui who lifted the continental title with the Chinese Super League side, with Al Sadd eliminated from the tournament in the semi-finals by Persepolis, Bounedjah's involvement in the 2018 AFC Champions League was brought to an end at the penultimate stage.