Matias Vecino has spoken of his joy following Inter’s dramatic qualification for next season’s Champions League, describing Sunday’s goal against Lazio as ‘the most important’ of his career.

The Nerazzurri secured a top four finish on Sunday thanks to a dramatic come-from-behind victory against Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico, which saw the Uruguayan midfielder head in the all-important winner nine minutes from time.

“Inter hadn’t qualified for the Champions League in a long time and we knew from the start of the season that that would be our objective,” Vecino told Uruguayan publication Ovacion on Wednesday.

“My goal was very important because there wasn’t long left in the match and a draw would not have been enough for us. I’m very happy I was able to help the team.

“That goal against Lazio is the most important goal I’ve scored in my career, along with the one I scored against Argentina in the South American U-20 Championship in 2011.”

Vecino then discussed the celebrations that ensued following the final whistle on Sunday, as well as looking back on his first season playing for the Nerazzurri.

“Inter have lots of supporters, not just in Milan but in all of Italy. When we got back after the game there were a load of people waiting for us at the airport. They live for their club very intensely.

“I had a good first half of the season, playing lots of matches, but in the second half everything became harder because of a groin injury. I had a few very difficult weeks because it’s a difficult injury that comes and goes.

“I wanted to finish the season well.”