Steven Zhang: "Proud of the team"

Inter bowed out of the 2022/23 season with pride and spirit after losing the UEFA Champions League final against Manchester City. Fought from the first minute until the last, the Nerazzurri displayed courage, character and played some great football.

Here's what Nerazzurri president Steven Zhang had to say following the game:

Winning and losing is part of sport, of football. However, I want to congratulate the players, Head Coach and staff for what they displayed on the pitch tonight; they were superb and gave 100%. I also want to congratulate City, who have had an outstanding season. We are so proud to have got here, to have played against the best and to have shown our quality without fear, regardless of the result. Our players have the quality and mentality of the highest level and tonight they showed that. We are not inferior to anyone.

Before the game, everyone thought we were the underdogs but we are really proud of the way we went about it. There always need to be a winner in a final, but we are confident of the future with the strong foundations we have in place at this moment in time.

What I have learned in football is that a winning side calls for equilibrium between mental strength and youthful energy. So, energy is needed for the future but at the same time experienced players, like those who have brought us here to this final today. You can win or lose, but at least we got here. It's always a combination of these elements; these are the things we are looking for every year.

Lukaku? He has shown to be a great forward for Inter; he's an extraordinary guy. He's under contract at Chelsea, so we'll have to wait and speak with them to understand his situation. There are many postive things to reflect on this season; it needs to be a starting point to continue our growth day after day. Coming here and playing as we did in this final is something that will live long in the memory."