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

Marcelino Nunez is preparing for a heated reception when he returns to Carrow Road with Ipswich on Saturday. The Chilean midfielder became the first player to move from Norwich to Ipswich since 2001 when he made the £10m switch in August. Nunez played a crucial role in helping Ipswich beat their rivals for the first time in 16 years with a 3-1 win. '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, which included waving a corner flag in front of jubilant Ipswich fans, were a spontaneous expression of his emotions. 'It was natural, it just came to me,' he explains. The 26-year-old is unfazed by the hostility that awaits him at Carrow Road, having played in intense derbies in South America. 'I know there is going to be a bit more heat on me, but it motivates me. I'm motivated to face the game on Saturday,' he says. Nunez's move to Ipswich was driven by his ambition to win titles and become a champion. 'My mentality is to win, and I felt Ipswich offered me a better chance of achieving that,' he says. The Chilean midfielder has been instrumental in Ipswich's push for promotion, with eight assists and three goals, including two free-kicks in a 4-1 win over QPR. Nunez credits Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna for his impact, saying, 'He is one of the best coaches I've had in my career.' With seven remaining Championship games, Nunez is relaxed about Ipswich's promotion prospects, saying, 'We have the games in hand, so it's up to us. 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.'