“The winner of the derby will win the league title”: Mehdi Taremi

Tehran Times – TEHRAN, Persepolis international striker Mehdi Taremi believes that the winner of Friday’s Tehran derby will most likely win this season Iran Professional League title.

Persepolis will take on Esteghlal in the 82nd Tehran derby in the 26th week of IPL at Tehran’s Azadi Stadium on Friday.

“We have a very important game on Friday which could decide the winner of this season. This derby is more important than the previous ones because I believe the winner will be this season’s Iran Professional League winner,” Taremi said.

Persepolis has not lost in the derbies which Taremi has played.

“We have defeated Esteghlal twice and one match ended in a draw in three derbies I have played. I hope to score as I have not scored in derby before. At the end, winning the derby is the most important thing, no matter who scores the goals,” he added.

Persepolis has also started negotiating with Taremi over a contract extension but he stated that he is currently focused on his performance.

“My agent had a meeting with Mr. Taheri (Persepolis acting president) but we have to wait and see what happens at the end of the season. I am completely focused on winning the title and the top scorer award,” he added.