FC Barcelona defender Sylvinho has obtained dual Brazilian-Spanish citizenship giving him status as a European Union player.

European regulations
Under current legislation, European clubs are permitted to field a maximum of three non-EU players, but Barcelona's summer spending spree initially increased their number to five, Rüstu Reçber's departure notwithstanding. However, with Sylvinho, defender Edmílson and forward Javier Saviola, who will spend the season at AS Monaco FC, all gaining their European papers, that leaves only Ronaldinho and Samuel Eto'o as non-EU players.

Two-year deal
Sao Paulo-born Sylvinho signed a two-year deal with Barcelona after leaving RC Celta de Vigo in July. He arrived in Spain in 2001 and has completed three years of working under contract in the country - one of the criteria for applicants for dual nationality.