The Argentine forward, who played for Atletico Madrid, Castellon and Cadiz during a career that began at Huracan in his homeland, said he still feels the warmth of Spanish supporters decades on.
"I have friends everywhere," he said, speaking from Argentina, where he is now enjoying retirement surrounded by his family. "The most beautiful thing football has given me is people's affection."
Cabrera's most celebrated spell came at Atletico Madrid, where he won the Copa del Rey in 1984/85 and the Supercopa de Espana that same year, scoring 66 goals in 176 appearances for the Rojiblancos between 1980 and 1986. He shared a dressing room during that period with the likes of Ubaldo Fillol, Julio Alberto Arteche, Marina, Quique Setien, Hugo Sanchez and Dirceu.
He reserved special praise for former Atletico manager Luis Aragones, calling him "one of the best coaches there has ever been in football." Cabrera recalled that, long before Aragones eventually took charge of the Spain national team, he had already been convinced the veteran coach belonged on the national bench and would ultimately lead the side to success.
Turning to the present day, Cabrera revealed his dream final at this summer's World Cup would be a meeting between Spain and his native Argentina.
"I have a Spanish daughter and an enormous affection for Spain," he said. "If the final is between the two of them, whoever wins, I'll be happy."
He also paid tribute to Lionel Messi, describing him as an "alien" both for his talent and his conduct off the pitch, while praising the huge potential of Barcelona's Lamine Yamal, though he cautioned that avoiding injuries would be crucial if the teenager is to reach the level of the game's great modern icons.
Cabrera used the interview to send a direct message to Julian Alvarez, whose future at Atletico Madrid continues to generate transfer speculation.
"Don't leave," he said. "Atletico is a great institution and the affection of its fans can't be bought with anything."
He closed with a wish for the club that gave him some of his best years in the game.
"I hope Atletico Madrid win the Champions League this year," Cabrera said. "It's the biggest dream an Atleti fan can have."
Now settled back in Argentina after hanging up his boots, Cabrera remains a well-known figure among Atletico Madrid's supporters, with his goalscoring exploits in the 1980s still fondly remembered by those who watched him play at the old Vicente Calderon during one of the most successful periods in the club's history.