As the blue flares settled and the open-top bus parade wound through the streets of Suffolk, Ipswich Town’s engine room general, Azor Matusiwa, finally revealed the physical toll of the club’s historic return to the Premier League.
The 28-year-old Dutchman, who has been the heartbeat of Kieran McKenna’s midfield since his £7.8m move from Rennes last summer, admitted he played the final seven games of the season through “significant discomfort” to ensure the Tractor Boys didn’t stumble at the finish line.
Playing “Whatever the Cost”
Matusiwa’s struggles began on Easter Monday during a home win against Birmingham, where he suffered a severe dead leg. While fans noticed a slight dip from his usual high-octane performances, few realized he was also battling a hamstring injury during the final stretch.
”I played in a lot of discomfort, to be honest,” Matusiwa admitted. “The performance was not as good as before, but I’m so happy I didn’t stop. I had to play, whatever the cost, because we knew how important the moment was.”
The Division’s Interception King
Despite the injuries, Matusiwa’s debut season at Portman Road has been nothing short of transformative. Inheriting the No. 5 shirt from former captain Sam Morsy, he stepped into a vital role and delivered:
- Stat Leader: He recorded 75 interceptions, the highest of any midfielder in the Championship (24 more than second-placed Ben Whiteman).
- Reliability: He started all but one league game (missing only one due to suspension).
- Hardware: His dominance earned him both the ITFC Player of the Year and Supporters’ Player of the Year awards.
A Childhood Dream Realized
For the former Ajax academy graduate, Saturday’s promotion wasn’t just a professional achievement—it was the fulfillment of a lifelong ambition.
”Premier League incoming! Sounds very good, man,” Matusiwa said with a grin. “It’s a dream I’ve had since I was young. On Saturday, that dream became reality.”
Looking ahead to the 2026/27 top-flight campaign, Matusiwa singled out trips to Old Trafford and Anfield as his most anticipated fixtures, having grown up a Manchester United supporter.
Breaking the “Yo-Yo” Cycle
Ipswich Town’s last foray into the Premier League (2024/25) ended in a disappointing 22-point relegation. However, Matusiwa believes this iteration of the squad is built differently.
”We don’t want to go up to come back again,” he insisted. “The Championship is so tough. It’s the right moment to get out of this league and, hopefully, to never come back again.”
With his injury now in the rearview and a summer of recovery ahead, Matusiwa is poised to lead Ipswich into a new era. For the Town faithful, seeing their “Interception King” go toe-to-toe with the world’s best is the ultimate reward for a season of unwavering support.
Inside the Academy: While the senior team celebrates, the club’s future looks bright as well. Star youngster Wes Burns has also confirmed his desire to stay at the club, telling the EADT, “I’d love to stay” as the squad prepares for the top-flight transition.
