The Chilean international midfielder found himself at the centre of an East Anglian storm after pushing for a switch to Portman Road that was worth an initial £7.5m to the Canaries. 

That sparked a backlash from City supporters left angered by his decision to swap Norfolk for Suffolk. Speaking for the first time since becoming an Ipswich player, Nunez insists he remains appreciative of the platform Norwich gave him. 

“I respect all teams. I’m grateful to Norwich for giving me the opportunity to play in England, but now I’m playing for Ipswich and I’ll give it my all on the pitch,” Nunez told Ipswich’s official channels. 

“I just want to do everything I’ve always done since my debut. I want to demonstrate my technical ability, score goals, and provide assists. I hope I can contribute a lot on the pitch. 

“It’s the same colour as the shirt I wore at my first club, the one I grew up with, Universidad Catolica. I’m very happy to be wearing this colour again.

“The stadium is beautiful. I want to see the atmosphere of the fans. I’m looking forward to my debut.”

Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna revealed his delight at landing the Chilean, believing his willingness to make the move reflected his ‘strong-minded’ nature. 

“We’re happy to have him,” said McKenna to our sister paper the EADT. “It’s an area that we felt that we certainly needed to add to with the players that have left.

Marcelino Nunez tapped the badge after winning the most recent East Anglian derby - only to join Ipswich.Marcelino Nunez tapped the badge after winning the most recent East Anglian derby – only to join Ipswich. (Image: PA) “He’s a high quality player, has a lot of Championship experience now, international experience and is still at a good age. 

“He’s a really, really good footballer, plays through the pitch well, covers a lot of ground and is a set piece taker and scorer, as we found a couple of seasons ago. 

“He’s a strong-minded individual. He wants to make the move that he sees as best for his career and we’re happy that he sees this as that best move. He’s from almost the other side of the earth, he’s from Chile. Of course, local rivalries are massively important and players understand that. But he wants to make the move that he thinks is the best progression for his career.”