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Douglas moves closer to Oranje

Image: Douglas: Hoping to represent Holland after being granted Dutch passport

Twente defender Douglas has reiterated his desire to represent the Netherlands national side after being granted a Dutch passport.

Stopper hopes to feature for Oranje after obtaining passport

FC Twente defender Douglas has reiterated his desire to represent the Netherlands national side after being granted a Dutch passport. The Brazil-born centre-back completed his naturalisation procedure on Wednesday after spending a little over four years in Holland. Douglas, who arrived in Enschede in August 2007, is eager to break into the 2010 World Cup finalists' squad. "I already dreamed of playing for Netherlands during the 2010 World Cup and that dream still stands," he told Twente's official website. "Team manager Hans Jorritsma has congratulated me on behalf of head coach Bert van Marwijk." He added: "I feel Dutch. I am very happy with it. "I was keen to have the same nationality as my girlfriend and my daughter. I've waited a long time but now I have my passport."

Dispensation

Fifa rules dictate that a player has to live in his new country for five years before being eligible to play for the national side, meaning 23-year-old Douglas will not be available to play until September next year. However, the Dutch football association (KNVB) will request dispensation for the defender in order for him to be eligible for Euro 2012. The KNVB has talks planned with Douglas and his father Gert Peerik to discuss his options now he is officially Dutch. A spokesperson told Voetbal International: "The KNVB will sit down with Mr Peerik in November to determine the next steps and how they will be addressed."

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