Ronaldinho [ Images ] was granted dual nationality by Spain on Monday, the Spanish Primera Liga club said.

The move frees up a place for another non-European Union player in Frank Rijkaard's [ Images ] squad.

Mexican forward Giovani dos Santos is set to take up the vacant slot alongside Cameroon international Samuel Eto'o and Ivory Coast midfielder Yaya Toure [ Images ] in the non-EU berths permitted under Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) rules.

However, Dos Santos is also expected to be granted dual nationality this week.

Barcelona [ Images ] opened their league campaign with a goalless draw away to Racing Santander on Sunday.