'One step away from best league in the world' - New Portsmouth favourite makes Premier League ambitions clear
Gustavo Caballero has qucikly adapted to life at Pompey following his January loan move from Brazilian side Santos
Gustavo Caballero hasn’t taken long to establish himself as a Fratton favourite.
The January deadline day arrival’s superbly-taken goal and overall display in the 3-1 victory against Millwall on Saturday currently has fans on social media debating what tune and chant best befits their new Paraguayan prince.
This time last month, it’s fair to say former Blackburn Rovers striker Roque Santa Cruz or Jose Luiz Chilavert - the goalkeeper with a penchant for scoring free-kicks - were the best-known footballing exports from that part of South America known to the PO4 faithful!
The 24-year-old’s quickfire adjustment to English football has been impressive, something which the on-loan Santos winger attributes to the warm well he has received since rocking up at Fratton Park.
But here’s hoping his rapid transition to the Pompey way isn’t accompanied by an equally expeditious exit.
The Blues have an option to buy the flying winger at the end of the season if all goes well, with a clause inserted in the surprise deal that brought him to the south coast last month.
However, it’s become apparent Caballero also had the future in mind when he agreed to join Pompey. He’s already made it clear that the chance to play in Europe had been a long-term goal of his.
Now, after speaking to media in his home country, it’s become evident that appearing in the Premier League is his ultimate ambition.
Whether that’s with Pompey remains to be seen. If not, the forward is hoping his Fratton Park opportunity can lead to another club helping him achieve his goal.
‘One step away from best league in the world’
ABC Deportes - the sports section of the Paraguayan media outlet ABC Color - posted quotes attributed to Caballero on their social channels on Monday.
In them, the Pompey new-boy admits he has adapted well to Championship football and a new way of life, despite needing the help of a translator and struggling with the language.
And while there is always the risk of someone’s true word’s being lost in translation, Caballero admitted his goal was to seal a move to a Premier League team with the help of John Mousinho’s side.
The 24-year-old is quoted as saying: ‘I'm one step away from the best league in the world. I'm taking full advantage of this opportunity; they've welcomed me very well.
‘I'm playing on the right wing. The manager told me I could play on either side, and I'm adapting very well.
‘There's a lot of space all over the pitch here, and I can use my speed to my advantage. In Brazil, the marking is tighter.
‘I'm having a bit of trouble with the language. I rely on a translator because no one on the staff speaks Spanish.
‘I want to make the jump to a Premier League team. I've started off great, and I hope to keep it up.’