Real Madrid’s Brazilian striker Ronaldo has been granted Spanish citizenship, meaning he will no longer occupy one of the club’s three spots for non-European Union players.

Ronaldo secured dual nationality after taking an oath to the Spanish constitution on Thursday.

With Roberto Carlos gaining Spanish citizenship in August, the only two Real players that do not enjoy European Union status are Brazilian forwards Julio Baptista and Robinho.

Real will now be free to buy a non-European player in the January transfer window with reports suggesting they have earmarked Brazilian defender Cicinho as their next signing.

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