Ronaldinho: dual nationality

Barcelona's playmaker Ronaldinho has been granted a Spanish passport after spending over 4 years in Spain. This now frees up one of the 3 EU player spots available to the club.

The 27 year old has also announced he will be trying his hardest to make this season his best for the club.

"I'm going to make a big effort to ensure that this is my best season," he told a news conference.

Ronaldinho came in for some criticism last season for missing several training sessions and appearing to be out of shape in a few key matches for the Catalan side.

Barcelona could now attempt to sign another South American player as the club have been linked with Argentinian Claudio Yacob.