Nunez: My Goal is to Become a Champion with Ipswich

Marcelino Nunez is ready for a hostile reception when he returns to his former club, Norwich, with his new team, Ipswich, on Saturday. Nunez made the switch from Norwich to Ipswich in August, becoming the first player to do so since Andy Marshall in 2001. He has since helped Ipswich beat their rivals for the first time in 16 years. 'It was a big task, but we managed to turn it around and end the run,' he says. 'I was really happy about it.' Nunez's celebrations after the match were ecstatic, waving a corner flag in front of jubilant Ipswich fans. 'It was natural, it just came to me spontaneously,' he explains. 'In South America, when you win a big derby, you celebrate a lot, and that South American side of me came out a bit.' Nunez is unfazed by the hostility that awaits him at Carrow Road, feeling that his experience playing in intense derbies in South America has prepared him. 'I know there is going to be a bit more heat on me, but it motivates me,' he says. 'I'm motivated to face the game on Saturday and take three points.' Ipswich are currently a point behind Millwall in third place, with three games in hand, and a win against Norwich could take them closer to the Premier League. Nunez's move to Ipswich was 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. He has been impressed by the team's unity and focus under coach Kieran McKenna. 'We are very united and also 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, with eight assists and three goals, including two free-kicks in a 4-1 win over QPR. He credits McKenna for his impact, saying, 'He is one of the best coaches I've had in my career up until now.' Nunez is relaxed about Ipswich's promotion prospects, with seven remaining Championship games. Reaching the Premier League would allow him to realize 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.'