Champions League return ‘first step’ warns Inter Milan’s Chinese owner after snatching fourth-place in Serie A
Internazionale claimed the final Champions League berth with a dramatic come-from-behind 3-2 win over rivals Lazio on the final day
“First of all, I want to congratulate you all for this great achievement!” wrote Zhang in a letter published on the club’s website.
“After six seasons, Inter has finally returned to the Champions League, the most prestigious competition in European football!
“We have waited a long time for this day to come and this result is the fruit of your constant work. Congratulations!
“With the desire to compete and win, we have reached our objective. This return to the Champions League is the first step, the start of a long road to tread together with the passion and confidence that the whole Nerazzurri family has shown.”
“Even though the Serie A competition has just finished, our work off the pitch continues, we are all already preparing for the next season,” he added.
“Many of our players will also be playing in the World Cup to honour their countries and I hope that they play with the same spirit that has always distinguished us: ‘Brothers of the World’. Forza Inter!”
Since then their only trophy has been the Italian Cup in 2011.
Meanwhile, the club are reported to be offering captain Mauro Icardi a one-year contract extension until 2022, worth €6 million per season plus bonuses.
Argentine Icardi – the joint-top Serie A scorer this season with 29 goals – has a current deal worth 4.5 million euros a year which runs until 2021.
The 25-year-old’s present contract also has a €110-million release clause for foreign clubs which can be activated until mid-July.