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

Marcelino Nunez is preparing for a heated reception at Carrow Road, but the Ipswich player remains unfazed. He became the first player to move from Norwich to Ipswich since 2001, and has since helped his new team beat their rivals for the first time in 16 years. Nunez scored the goal that settled the previous East Anglian derby in Norwich's favour, and then assisted in Ipswich's 3-1 win over them. "It was a big task, but we managed to turn it around and end the run, and I was really happy about it," he says. Nunez's celebrations after the game, where he waved a corner flag in front of jubilant Ipswich fans, were a natural expression of his emotions. "In South America, when you win a big derby, you celebrate a lot, and that South American side of me came out a bit," he explains. The Chile international feels that his experience playing in intense derbies in South America will help him cope with the pressure at Carrow Road. "I know there is going to be a bit more heat on me, because of the fans and because of what happened with my transfer, but it motivates me," he says. Nunez is focused on helping Ipswich take another step closer to the Premier League, and believes that his team has the mentality and unity to achieve their goal. "We are very united and also focused on our objective, which is to get promoted to the Premier League," he says. The move to Ipswich was a deliberate decision for Nunez, who wanted to fight for the championship and become a champion. "It wasn't a very complicated decision because my mentality is to win titles," he explains. Nunez has played a crucial role in Ipswich's season, bringing creativity, set-piece prowess, and energy to the No 10 role. His importance can be seen in the team's record with and without him, and he credits coach Kieran McKenna for his impact. "He is one of the best coaches I've had in my career up until now," he says. Nunez is relaxed about Ipswich's promotion prospects and is focused on taking it one game at a time. "What I see in the team is that it's a very solid group, and with the team we have, I think we will reach the Premier League," he says.