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

Marcelino Nunez sits in the quiet of an empty Portman Road, anticipating a vastly different scene when he faces his former club, Norwich, on Saturday. Nunez made history by becoming the first player to move from Norwich to Ipswich since Andy Marshall in 2001, completing a £10m switch in August. Just weeks later, he helped Ipswich achieve a 3-1 win over their rivals, ending a 16-year losing streak. 'It was an important challenge because Ipswich hadn't beaten Norwich in so long, and I had previously helped extend that run,' Nunez 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, which included waving a corner flag in front of jubilant Ipswich fans, were a natural expression of his emotions. 'It was spontaneous,' 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 well-equipped to handle the hostility that awaits him at Carrow Road, having played in intense derbies in South America. 'I know there will be more heat on me because of the fans and my transfer, but it motivates me,' he explains. 'When you step on the pitch, you forget all your problems and focus on the game.' Nunez's move to Ipswich was driven by his ambition to fight for the championship and potentially win titles. 'I was clear about my goal, which was to become a champion, and that's why I decided to move to Ipswich,' he says. 'The fans welcomed me incredibly well, and I'm very happy with the team and the manager.' With Ipswich just a point behind Millwall in third place, Nunez sees the upcoming match as an opportunity to take another step closer to the Premier League. 'We are very united and focused on our objective, which is to get promoted to the Premier League,' he says. Nunez has played a crucial role in Ipswich's success this season, bringing creativity, set-piece prowess, and energy to the No 10 role. His importance is evident in the team's win rate, which stands at 70 per cent in the 20 games he has started. '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 coach Kieran McKenna for his impact, describing him as 'one of the best coaches I've had in my career.' With seven remaining Championship games, Nunez is relaxed about Ipswich's promotion prospects, focusing on each match and taking it step by step to achieve his goal of playing in the Premier League.