ROBERTO CARLOS TO TAKE SPANISH CITIZENSHIP?

BRAZILIAN star Roberto Carlos is to meet with the sports director of Real Madrid, Jorge Valdano on Friday for a discussion of numerous topics, one of which is his possible naturalisation as a Spaniard.

La Liga has the most lax rules on naturalisation of players, although the limit of four non-EU players per squad is in line with the rest of Europe.

After just two years a player can apply for Spanish citizenship and Real obviously want Roberto Carlos to become Spanish as this would free up another place in their squad for a foreigner.

Understandably Roberto Carlos would not want to give up his Brazilian heritage and place in his home country's side, so after six years in Spain, the left-sided star can claim dual citizenship.

The Brazilian is one of the captains of the Real squad, along with Fernando Hierro, Ivan Helguera and Raul, and is an integral part of the side that is looking to bounce back from a poor league start.

Speaking about his goal against Lokomotiv Moscow in the Champions League, Roberto Carlos said: "It was pretty, and in addition it is not normal that I get one from within the area.  It is not very customary."