Pride
"I'd have to say right now that this is better than winning the Champions League, Mourinho told Rai tv. "Today it was a match in which I couldn't play, because I would have left my blood.
"Barcelona expected to win. They have had an incredible surprise at the San Siro. Then we understood they had fear.
"When Thiago Motta was sent off, we had to change the scheme again. Obviously to reach the final it was down to who wants it more.
"With Chelsea supporters I had empathy, but I have more of this with Inter's. I respect Italian football, but I'm not in love with it. In the difficult moments of the game I felt our supporters were there.
"I guarantee that next year I'll be here. I always play against Barcelona, and always something happens. It's nothing new for me. I want to see our supporters welcoming us at the airport.
"The refereeing? I don't want to judge. I said before the game that when players help the referee, it can have a positive reaction. When they make things difficult for him then there are problems, and this evening someone tried to complicate his job."
Bravery
Inter president Massimo Moratti was also quick to praise Mourinho's side for battling on bravely without losing their concentration in the cauldron that is Camp Nou.
"Let's give credit to the side. We played as 10 men for over 45 minutes," Moratti told Sky Italia.
"They showed big character. We are close to the three finals. We're in the Champions League final, the Coppa Italia, and then, for the Italian league, we are close to getting it. We'll see.
"We played with concentration, enthusiasm and desire and it's thanks to Mourinho, who is really great.
"I think we played in a really intelligent way. I hope all Inter supporters will be happy."