Real Madrid's Brazilian fullback Roberto Carlos was granted Spanish citizenship on Tuesday, freeing up one of the club's three non-European Union places for new signing Robinho.
"After so many years in Spain I feel proud to have gained dual nationality," said the 32-year-old international after swearing an oath to the Spanish constitution in Madrid. "It is a very important thing for me."
According to Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) rules, each Primera Liga club is permitted a maximum of three non-European Union players on their books.
Last season Real's three berths were occupied by Roberto Carlos, fellow Brazilian Ronaldo and Argentine centre-back Walter Samuel.
Samuel's departure to Inter Milan left open a place which has been taken up by Brazilian forward Julio Baptista, who signed a five-year deal with Real on Monday.
Roberto Carlos's acquisition of Spanish citizenship leaves open another berth for Robinho who will join Real on August 25 after Santos agreed to sell him for $30 million.
Roberto Carlos joined Real from Inter Milan in 1996. He has played 312 league games in Spain and won three European Cups and three league titles in his eight seasons at Real.
