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Veteran goalkeeper Wilfredo Caballero has been part of Chelsea’s setup for the last 2.5 years, proving himself a reliable second-choice shot-stopper behind Thibaut Courtois and Kepa Arrizabalaga.
While he has not seen much action with the team outside of cup appearances — something that has not changed under new coach Frank Lampard — he is still enjoying life at Stamford Bridge.
“[My life] is good. I’m enjoying this phase at Chelsea and [at home] with my family. I’ve had the luck to play for many years in great teams and competitions.”
However, his tenure at Chelsea might soon come to an end. His initial two-year contract was extended for another season back in May, and the deal is now set to expire on June 2020.
“At the end of the season my contract ends, and then we’ll see where the future lies.”
Caballero is not yet sure what may be next after that. All he knows is that he wishes to stay in Europe instead of returning to his home country of Argentina; and that he would enjoy a return to Spain, perhaps by joining one of his former clubs, Elche or Málaga.
“I don’t like adding fuel to the fire, nor speak about impossibilities. I don’t like to close doors either.
“I’m not interested in moving back to Argentina in the present because I feel more like an European player. I arrived here quite young, and I left my country’s league at age 22.
“I’d like to go back to Spain. [Moving back to former clubs] Elche or Málaga? Sure, but it’s not just about a wish, and rather that they want you, and that circumstances are favourable.
“At the moment I’m a Chelsea player and I’ll see what happens in June.”
-Wilfredo Caballero; source: AS
Caballero has started just two games this season and probably won't start another until January when the FA Cup begins for Chelsea. But he's been a positive influence beyond that, on the training ground and in the dressing room, and that can be just as important. It's not always easy to find quality backups.