In a rare interview Inter president Steven Zhang has insisted that the overall balance of Inter’s 2019/20 season is still very positive despite their Europa League final loss to Sevilla.

Inter took an early lead at the RheinEnergieSTADION via Romelu Lukaku and it would be Lukaku who would score what proved to be Sevilla’s winning goal as he scored an own goal near the end of the match.

“First of all I think we have to thank all the medical professionals in the world who allow us to continue everything and protect our life,” Zhang, who recently returned to Europe from his native China, remarked in an interview with Italian broadcaster Sky Sport Italia following the match.

“Without them we couldn’t be here and live like we are today. We want to dedicate this evening to their efforts.”

He then reflected on Inter’s season, which started very nearly a year to this day, as a whole.

“I think it’s very positive, we are on a path that allowed us to fight for the Europa League final and years ago we couldn’t have imagined it.

“All of us, on and off the pitch, are doing a great job. Obviously winning or losing is part of football, but reaching the final makes us optimistic.”

Next Zhang, who is the youngest Inter president in club history, went on to discuss what the goals are for the coming season.

“Now we will rest, we deserve it. In the coming days we will think about the future, but the mentality doesn’t change and we want to improve.

“We will try again next year. This is the beauty of competition: trying to give your best and improve, hoping for a better future.”

In conclusion the Chinese businessman was asked what he makes of Inter manager Antonio Conte’s situation, which according to a reports is uncertain.

“The coach and his staff are doing a great job. As I said before, now we will rest, then we will think about the future and plan it.”