Inter Milan vice-president Javier Zanetti expects Steven Zhang to soon return to Italy.

The club president has remained in China throughout the season and so missed last night's Scudetto celebrations after victory against AC Milan.

Zanetti said afterwards: "It has great value, a Scudetto in a derby, the second star... The boys still don't realise that they have written a page in the club's history and we are very happy.

"Talking about individuals is difficult... I'm talking about the group, which from the beginning understood that it was strong and demonstrated it on the field in every single match. The Scudetto is well-deserved and I believe that these boys, when they reach my age they will remember this magical evening and will be happy forever.

"On the starting grid no one saw us capable of winning the championship. But this team humbly worked to demonstrate that it is the strongest."

On Zhang, he added: "At the moment he is in China with his business together with his family, we all hope that sooner or later he can return because he deserves to celebrate this Scudetto. When he comes back and speaks, he will clarify all the questions that people are asking."