Nunez: My Goal Was to Become a Champion, That's Why I Left Norwich for Ipswich

Marcelino Nunez is anticipating a heated reception when he returns to Carrow Road, the stadium he called home before making a £10m switch to Ipswich in August. Nunez became the first player to move from Norwich to Ipswich since Andy Marshall in 2001, and just weeks later, he played a crucial role in helping Ipswich beat their rivals for the first time in 16 years with a 3-1 win. 'It was an important challenge because Ipswich hadn't beaten Norwich in so long and I had helped to extend that run even further,' he tells Sky Sports. 'It was a big task but we managed to turn it around and end the run and I was really happy about it.' Nunez's celebrations that day at Portman Road were evident as he waved a corner flag in front of jubilant Ipswich fans after coming off the bench to set up the third goal against his old club. 'It was natural, it just came to me spontaneously,' he says. 'In South America, when you win a big derby you celebrate a lot and that South American side of me came out a bit.' The Chile international feels he is well-equipped to cope with the hostility that awaits him at Carrow Road. 'In South America the derbies, the clásicos, are more intense, with more pressure,' he explains. 'And I think that works in my favour because I've played under pressure.' Nunez is motivated to face the game on Saturday, driven by his ambition to become a champion. 'I was very clear about my goal, which was to fight for the championship, so that's why I made the decision to move to Ipswich,' he says. 'The fans welcomed me incredibly well, even though I came from a rival, and overall I'm very happy with the team and with the manager.' Nunez has certainly played his part this season, bringing creativity, set-piece prowess, goal threat, and energy to the No 10 role. His importance can be seen in Ipswich's record with and without him, with a win rate of 70 per cent in the 20 games Nunez has started this season compared to just 32 per cent in the 24 he hasn't. 'I am just a small piece of the puzzle,' he says. 'I think we are all important in the team, those who play and even those who are injured.' Nunez credits Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna for his impact. 'He is one of the best coaches I've had in my career up until now,' he says. 'He organises the training sessions incredibly well, he's very intelligent, he knows how to keep the dressing room united, and he gives the players lots of confidence.' With seven remaining Championship games, including the upcoming match against Norwich, Nunez is relaxed about Ipswich's promotion prospects. Reaching the Premier League, he says, would allow him to realise a childhood dream. 'I always dreamt about it but I never imagined going to England would happen so quickly and being a step away from the Premier League,' he says. 'It's something incredible that's happening and it's close, so we just have to focus on each match.'