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On Tuesday, the left-back defender from Madrid, Brazilian Roberto Carlos, was granted Spanish citizenship.
"After so many years spent in Spain, I am very happy to have received a second citizenship," said the 32-year-old Brazilian national team member after taking the oath. "This is a very important event."
According to the regulations of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), clubs cannot have more than 3 non-European Union citizens, so Roberto Carlos becoming an EU citizen freed up a spot for forward Julio Baptista.
Last season, "Real Madrid" had three non-EU citizens in their squad: Brazilians Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos, and Argentine Walter Samuel.
Recently, another spot opened up for Brazilian forward Robinho, who is set to join the Spanish superclub on August 25.
Roberto Carlos arrived at "Real Madrid" in 1996 from Inter Milan. During his eight seasons with the Royal Club, the Brazilian played 312 Spanish league matches, won three European trophies, and became a Spanish champion three times.
