Portsmouth winger Gustavo Caballero has offered a detailed look at his first weeks in English football, speaking openly about the intensity of the game, his adaptation process and his ambitions with the Paraguay national team.
The 24-year-old, currently on loan from Santos, gave a series of interviews to Paraguayan radio stations Urbana Sports and Fútbol a lo Grande, explaining how life at Portsmouth has been since his arrival in the Championship.
Caballero described English football as intense and highly competitive, while stressing that he arrived with a clear objective.
“I came with a clear mentality to earn minutes here in English football,” he said.
The winger also highlighted how demanding the league has been, particularly in terms of pace and physical intensity.
“There is a lot of dynamism and intensity here. The teams have a clear idea of how they play and that stays consistent. It is very competitive football.”
Caballero added that he has been adapting to the tactical demands of the Portsmouth coaching staff.
“I am very well here in England. I am adapting to what the coach asks from me. He asks me to make the most of my speed.”
The Paraguayan also pointed to the strong atmosphere around the club, something that quickly caught his attention after arriving in the country.
“The fans here are very passionate. Both home and away our team takes a lot of supporters.”
Support from fellow Paraguayan
Gustavo Caballero revealed he received an encouraging message shortly after moving to England.
“When I arrived in England, Diego Gómez sent me a message congratulating me on this step. He told me that if I needed anything, he would help me.”
The Portsmouth winger said he was grateful for the support and already had the chance to spend time with the fellow Paraguayan, who plays for Brighton.
“I am very grateful and happy for Diego’s support. We already had the opportunity to spend time together.”
Paraguay national team on the radar
Caballero also spoke about his ambitions with the Paraguay national team and revealed that he is already in contact with the coaching staff led by Gustavo Alfaro.
“It would be a huge dream to wear the national team shirt. All players dream of that.”
He confirmed that communication with the national team setup has already started.
“I have been speaking recently with coach Alfaro’s assistant. I am happy that they are already considering me.”
According to Caballero, the interest has even reached the club level. “A few days ago the club told me they had received the reservation from the APF”, he said.
Contract situation with Portsmouth and Santos
While Caballero is currently focused on establishing himself at Portsmouth, the ownership of his rights remains partially with the Brazilian side. “Santos still owns 50% of my transfer rights”, he recalled.
As reported previously in Brazil, Portsmouth’s agreement with Santos includes a pathway to make the move permanent. The English club can trigger a purchase clause tied to Caballero reaching a set number of appearances in the Championship.
If that target is met, Portsmouth would pay around £4.25m (€5m) for 80% of the player’s rights, with Uruguay’s Nacional retaining 20% and a share of any future sale.
For now, the winger’s focus remains on adapting to English football and earning minutes in the Championship, which he sees as an important step in his development.
