What Ben Knapper has said on Marcelino Nunez leaving Norwich City for Ipswich Town | OneFootball

The midfielder has completed his controversial move to the Canaries' arch rivals.

Norwich City sporting director Ben Knapper has revealed his thoughts on Marcelino Nunez's controversial move to Ipswich Town.

The threat of the Chilean leaving Carrow Road this summer was always there. He was heading into the final year of his contract and there was plenty of interest from other clubs. A move to Ipswich, though - the club's arch rivals. That was not on anyone's bingo cards.

Nunez rejected two contract offers from Norwich before his £10 million move to Ipswich was sealed, as per John Percy. The deal was made official on Friday and, unsurprisingly, the announcement of his move by the Tractor Boys has caused a bit of controversy.

Ben Knapper reacts to Marcelino Nunez's move to Ipswich Town

A strong creative outlet for Liam Manning's side, Nunez will be a big loss for the Canaries, who have started this season with one win from their first three games.

As well as the stoking of the fire that Ipswich have done online, many City supporters have been outraged by the club's decision to sell to their arch rivals. However, Norwich's sporting director has said that this deal "is in the best interests of our club."

"It goes without saying, this is a significant transfer for all parties involved," said Knapper in the statement confirming Nunez's departure.

"We absolutely understand the feeling and sentiment from our supporters at this time, and this was of course an extremely difficult decision for us to take.

"As with every transfer, there are many factors that we must consider, including the wishes of the player, their contractual position, team performance and, of course, the offer itself. Ultimately, when considering all of those aspects, we firmly believe that this is in the best interests of our club.

"We are committed to making what we feel are the best possible decisions for our football club, assessing all factors in the round, in both the short, medium and long term. Of the possible scenarios and outcomes that this situation has presented, we believe this is the one that leaves the club in the best position."

Marcelino Nunez's move only adds more weight to upcoming East Anglian derby

In response to Nunez's exit, Norwich have confirmed the arrival of Danish midfielder Pelle Mattsson, a player that they have been linked with throughout the summer window. And it won't be long before we see their new centre-mid match up against their old one, with the first of this season's two planned East Anglian derbies coming at the start of October, at Portman Road.

It's always spicier when rivals face one another. This next meeting, though, after Ipswich have had Nunez tapping their badge and winking at the camera in the announcement video, is set to be a properly tasty affair.