"I am very proud and feel immense happiness. This is a feeling all those who contributed to this triumph should feel.

"This is for everyone, not only for Sharjah but for the entire Emirates. The players did a fantastic job and it is only fitting that they finished with the trophy," said Olaroiu, who was not only given the honour of lifting the trophy but also was the 'victim' of his press conference being ambushed by his celebrating players.

In charge for almost three and a half seasons, Olaroiu was responsible for a golden period in the club's history.

"In my time here, we qualified for eight finals and won five of them. I leave with wonderful memories and I thank the club for the faith they had in me. There was a period this season where we had to make sacrifices and prioritise. We did that in the league when we saw that Shabab (Al Ahli) were already too far ahead of us.

"We also had to prioritise the players as there was a period where we had to play eight games in 27 days. It was not possible and we had to rotate the squad and results went against us. However, it was all worth it as our target was winning this trophy."

Olaroiu said Sunday's victory should be the first of many continental triumphs for Sharjah.

"I hope this is a new beginning for Sharjah. They have to build a new team, have a new mentality. We have enjoyed much success but there should be more ahead."

While victory eluded Lion City, head coach Aleksandar Rankovic said the Singapore champions must continue targeting continental glory.

"We are obviously very disappointed and sad we couldn't win but I feel very proud how we have presented ourselves throughout," said Rankovic.

"I had said this was a 50-50 game and it was and one goal decided it. I am proud of how we came back but sad that we conceded the second very, very late.

"I think we did really, really good and this must be the start of us challenging on the continental stage."