© EuroFootball.com
The Brazilian star Ronaldo was granted Spanish citizenship and from now on he will no longer occupy one of the three spots reserved for non-European Union citizens in the Royal club.
The Brazilian national team forward, who moved to "Real" from Milan's "Inter" three years ago for 43 million euros, swore on the Spanish constitution on Thursday.
According to the rules of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), only three non-European Union citizens can play at the club. In August, Spanish citizenship was granted to defender Roberto Carlos within "Real," leaving only two players in the Royal club without an EU passport: forwards Julio Baptista and Robinho.
This is good news for the "Real" management, who will be able to strengthen the team with non-EU citizens during the winter transfer window. It is said that "Real" has already reached an agreement with "Sao Paulo" for Brazilian national team defender Cicinho.
Now Ronaldo is racing against time, hoping to recover from an injury he suffered in last month's clash with Madrid's "Atletico," and play in the "El Clasico" - the match against their fiercest rivals "Barcelona."
