Real Madrid’s Brazilian full-back Roberto Carlos has granted Spanish citizenship, freeing up one of the club’s three non-European Union places for new signing and fellow Brazilian, 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.”

Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) rules, state that 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, and although Smuel has left to join Inter, his place had been taken by new signing Julio Baptista.

Roberto Carlos’s acquisition of Spanish citizenship leaves open another berth for Robinho who has joined after Santos agreed to sell him for $30 million.