Marcelino Nunez didn't envisage English football being a destination on his career path, but now he is hoping his Norwich City experience can help fulfil his ambitions. 

The Chilean midfielder has struggled for consistency during his debut campaign in Norfolk after completing a £3.3million move from Universidad Catolica last summer.

 

That move meant uprooting both his life and that of his wife's to come to England after being blown away by the quality of the facilities that were presented to him by sporting director Stuart Webber after a Copa Sudamericana game against Sao Paulo in July.

In the short term, Nunez is hoping to nail down a starting berth under David Wagner at Carrow Road, but he has lofty ambitions to follow in the footsteps of some of the most successful Chileans who have taken the big step into European football. 

"To become established as an undisputed starter at Norwich," Nunez told Sky Sports when quizzed about his ambitions. "Like all players, I want make the step to the Premier League and, beyond that, play in the Champions League, and represent my country at a World Cup… and a Copa America.

"Claudio Bravo, Gary Medel, Charles Aranguiz, Arturo Vidal, Alexis Sanchez, Mauricio Isla… They were all in Europe, like I am now, and I have always tried to transmit the same energy they played with. For a young player, they transmitted a lot of positive things."

It wasn't a step that Nunez took lightly - nor one that he ever anticipated arriving at all. 

Given his profile as a player, there were some reservations about whether he could adapt and perform in the Championship. Norwich fans will also recall Teemu Pukki sharing similar concerns after signing for the club. 

But Nunez is pleased with his adaptation to life in England so far and believes his involvement in continental competitions in South America has helped his learning process at Norwich. 

"With my characteristics, I didn't always see myself in this league because it is very physical but, thanks to God, I have been able to adapt really well.

"I like the Chilean league, for the style of play and the good technical level, but what's different here, in addition to the resources available to the clubs, is the high intensity," Nunez said.

"It is more like the Copa Libertadores or the Copa Sudamericana [South America's equivalent of the Champions League and Europa League]. If you give an opportunity to those teams, they kill you.

"It is the same here in the Championship. If you make a mistake or drop your level, you are punished."

The Pink Un: Marcelino Nunez has followed a host of Chilean footballers by making the move into Europe.Marcelino Nunez has followed a host of Chilean footballers by making the move into Europe. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)

The Chilean international was crowned as the victor of the Championship's Goal of the Month award for February for his stunning volley against Birmingham City. 

Such flashes of quality have been displayed regularly during his time at Carrow Road so far - but now the challenge is for the 23-year-old to display the consistency that will ensure he becomes a regular feature in David Wagner's side. 

Despite having to display a level of patience as he continues his adaptation to life in England, Nunez is working hard to impress City's boss. 

"My favourite position has always been as an eight or a 10, but right now it depends on what the manager needs," Nunez said.

"If someone is injured and there's no one else in a certain position, I am happy to fill in and I will perform in the best way I can.

"You always have to give your best and set a good example to the younger players. I always work hard, even in tough periods, because I know it's a process.

"I have a good relationship with the manager. We talk about my good performances and my bad performances, and we are always looking for ways to improve."