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

Marcelino Nunez sits in the quiet of an empty Portman Road, but he's aware that a vastly different scene awaits him across the border from Suffolk to Norfolk on Saturday. As the man who crossed the divide, he's prepared for a heated reception back at Carrow Road. Nunez made history by becoming the first player since Andy Marshall in 2001 to move from Norwich to Ipswich, completing his £10m switch in August. Shortly after, he helped Ipswich claim their first win over their rivals in 16 years with a 3-1 victory. 'It was a significant challenge because Ipswich hadn't beaten Norwich in so long, and I had previously contributed to extending that run,' he tells Sky Sports. 'It was a big task, but we managed to turn it around and end the streak, which made me really happy.' His celebrations that day at Portman Road were evident as he waved a corner flag in front of jubilant Ipswich fans after setting up the third goal against his former club. 'It was spontaneous,' he says, looking over to the corner flag in question from his seat in the Sir Alf Ramsey Stand. 'In South America, when you win a big derby, you celebrate, and that South American side of me came out.' The events of the last meeting add extra spice to Saturday's fixture, live on Sky Sports. However, Nunez remains unfazed by the hostility that awaits him at Carrow Road. The Chile international feels he's well-equipped to cope, having played under pressure in South America. 'In South America, the derbies are more intense, with more pressure,' he explains, speaking in his native Spanish. 'And I think that works in my favour because I've played under pressure.' Nunez is motivated to face the game on Saturday, and his Premier League ambition was the main attraction for him to join Ipswich. '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 made an impact 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 he's started this season compared to just 32 per cent in the 24 he hasn't. Nunez credits his coach, 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.' Reaching the Premier League would allow Nunez 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.'