“Norwich couldn’t give me that,” Marcelino Núñez breaks his silence as he reveals what opportunities he found at Ipswich that weren’t available to him at Norwich.

“Norwich couldn’t give me that,” Marcelino Núñez breaks his silence as he reveals what opportunities he found at Ipswich that weren’t available to him at Norwich.

Marcelino Núñez says he was fully aware of the consequences of switching sides in the East Anglian rivalry, but believed Ipswich Town could give him opportunities that Norwich City couldn’t provide.

The Chilean midfielder made the bold decision to leave the Canaries over the summer and move to Suffolk, chasing his ambition of playing Premier League football.

While many questioned whether Núñez truly grasped the magnitude of his choice, he insists it only carries real weight if viewed through the lens of his home country.

“I think I understand it, but I’m not from England — I’m from Chile,” Núñez told Ipswich’s matchday programme. “If I went back to Chile and joined Universidad Católica’s rivals, then yes, that would be very different.

“But here, if a team comes along that wants to win and gives me a chance to play in the Premier League, I’ll take that opportunity. I’m a player who always wants to improve, and I liked the vision this club showed me. Norwich couldn’t offer me the same. Sometimes you need to take risks, and Ipswich made me a great offer.

“My dream is to play in the Premier League, and I believe Ipswich can help me achieve that.”

Núñez admits adapting to life in England hasn’t been easy, but says the professional growth and experience have made the challenges worthwhile.

“Moving to England was a big change, but I settled in quickly. I came here determined to show my talent and earn a place in the starting XI. Of course, it’s been tough at times being far from home,” he explained. “I mostly eat at Chilean or Turkish restaurants. The weather is hard, especially in winter, and the language too. But I love the football here — once you’re on the pitch, you forget the cold. Still, the early darkness in winter is something I’ll never get used to.

“There are so many positives though,” he added. “When my agent first told me I had a chance to move to England, I was overwhelmed. I never imagined it would happen. Now, three years later and 130 games in, I feel I’ve adapted well.

“I have a great relationship with the manager. I used to think he was very serious when I was at Norwich, but now that I know him better, I see he’s an amazing person — a fantastic coach who’s helping me become a better player.”