Marcelino Nunez reveals the opportunity Ipswich Town could offer him that Norwich City could not | OneFootball

Marcelino Nunez controversially switched Norwich City for Ipswich Town during the summer window

Ipswich Town have enjoyed major bragging rights over Norwich City in recent times.

For much of the 2010s, it was the Canaries who consistently competed at a higher level than their arch enemy, regularly operating out of the Premier League whilst Ipswich failed to achieve promotion to the top-flight and ultimately succumbed to relegation in 2020.

However, the past few years have seen fortunes contrast in the Tractor Boys’ favour, as they recorded back-to-back promotions from the third-tier to the Premier League, a status Norwich haven’t enjoyed since 2022.

Although Kieran McKenna’s side are now back in the Championship, they recently highlighted just how much more competitive their team is when compared to the Canaries.

For the first time in 16 years, Ipswich Town bested Norwich City in a league fixture, with goals from Cedric Kipre, Jaden Philogene and Jack Clarke too much for Liam Manning’s men.

Another recent source of joy Ipswich have had at their rival’s expense was the signing of Marcelino Nunez. The 25-year-old joined Norwich City in 2022 and was a fan favourite during his time at Carrow Road.

A shock twist emerged during the summer as the Tractor Boys struck a reported £10 million deal to sign the midfielder, much to the outrage of the Carrow Road faithful.

Nunez has now revealed why he made the move and if he feels any remorse for doing so.

Marcelino Nunez doesn’t regret Ipswich Town transfer

After 119 appearances, the Chilean had become a regular fixture at Carrow Road and was no doubt one of Manning’s prize assets.

This makes his departure even more heartbreaking for the Canaries, especially as it strengthens their main rivals at the same time.

However, Nunez has revealed that he doesn’t feel any regret over his decision.

When asked whether he understood the ramifications of his move in the Ipswich matchday programme, the midfielder said: "I think I understand, but I am not from England. I'm from Chile.

"If I went back to Chile and played for Universidad Catolica's rivals, then it would be different.

"But if a team comes along here in England and wants to win things and give me the chance to play Premier League football, then I'm going to take that opportunity.

"I'm a player who wants to keep improving and I liked the project at this club. Norwich couldn't offer me the same opportunity. Sometimes you have to take risks. Ipswich gave me a great offer.

"I want to play in the Premier League and I hope that playing at Ipswich gives me that opportunity."

Marcelino Nunez may have already seen his choice justified

Although the 2025/26 Championship campaign is still very much in its early stages, it is already clear that Nunez may have been correct to make his move.

Despite struggling to start, Ipswich Town have hit form recently, picking up 10 points from their last four games heading into the international break.

This places them ninth in the standings, six points shy of league leaders Coventry City and with a game in hand on all teams above them.

Norwich, on the other hand, are still yet to gain any real momentum with Manning in charge and languish 19th in the table, winning just two of their first nine matches.

With Premier League football as his main ambition, it already looks like achieving that task will be much easier with Ipswich, which already justifies Nunez’s choice.

Although it won’t be what the Carrow Road faithful want to hear, a move to the Tractor Boys presented the midfielder with clear career progression and that looks to be exactly what he has got.