TEHRANTIMES - Esteghlal goalkeeper Mehdi Rahmati has ended speculation over his future by agreeing a new deal which will keep him with the club through the 2018-19 season.

Rahmati is one the main reason why Esteghlal is currently at the top of the Iran Professional League (IPL) table. His superb performances in current season has forced the club to extend his contract for three more years.

The signing took place in the presence of Rahmati and the Club President Bahram Afsharzadeh.

“As the the club fans were keen for a long time stay of their goalkeeper we made this. Rahmati accepted the offer which we had considered and this reveals his love for Esteghlal and the Blue fans,"" Afsharzadeh said.

Rahmati who started his career in 2000 with Fajr Sepasi had two previous spells at Esteghlal (2005 to 2007) and (2011 to2014). He returned to Esteghlal in June 2015 after a one-year spell in Paykan.

Rahmati who was Iran national team first choice goalkeeper announced his temporary retirement from the national team due to a disagreement with the coach Carlos Queiroz.