Steven Zhang: "The result of the hard work of everyone"

Inter's 4-0 win over Viktoria Plzen saw the Nerazzurri progress to the Champions League round of 16 with a game to spare. For the second consecutive year, then, Inter have qualified for the knockouts of Europe's elite competition. President Steven Zhang, who was present at San Siro on his four-year anniversary in his current role, had the following to say about the team's achievement in an interview with Sky Sport:

"This evening's win is the result of the hard work of the coach, the players and the whole Club. For years, we've been working for the good of the Club, trying to improve it and make it grow. We have one of the best coaches in Europe; he's resilient and has the required characteristics to be able to face difficulties and overcome them. We were in a really difficult group, but this team showed their quality.

"Now, we're back in the round of 16 of the Champions League having won three trophies in the past two seasons. Six years ago, nobody could have imagined that we'd be at this point. This is why we work: to win. We're constantly pushing to do better. Every summer, we try to improve the squad, and it was the same this year, too. Everyone wants the best for Inter, starting with the fans. The decisions we've made so far have been the right ones; our results prove it. Every year, we grow and improve, and we don't rest on our laurels. We're a winning team both on and off the pitch.

"Skriniar? We all know him very well; he's an incredible player. He knows how much I want him to stay here, and I'm confident he'll do so. I have to say that our Club is often surrounded by speculation, but we only focus on ourselves. I'm not talking to possible investors and the Club is not for sale. We're focused and are working to win together.

"I'd like to dedicate tonight's victory to the Inter fans: they deserve it and they support us. Sometimes, they criticise us, but they do this because they care about Inter, just like we do. I also have in my mind all the people who work for the Club, as well as my family, who always support me. This evening is everyone's reward."