The Hague, Nov 3 (IANS): Brazilian FC Twente defender Douglas Franco Teixeirahas obtained his Dutch passport and he hopes to play for the Dutch national team.

Douglas got the passport Wednesday from Mayor Peter den Oudsten of Enschede, reports Xinhua.

The 23-year-old Douglas was born at Florianopolis in Brazil and began his career at the Brazilian club Joinville.

He joined Dutch team FC Twente on trial prior to the 2007-08 season and became a regular after his first year. He has played 109 league matches, scoring nine goals for the Dutch club.

Douglas, whose girlfriend and daughter are Dutch, felt it was unrealistic for him to get selected for the Brazilian national team. So, he said, he would be interested in playing for the Netherlands.

He decided to start the proceedings of obtaining Dutch citizenship, a decision welcomed by Dutch coach Bert van Marwijk.

FIFA regulations state that a naturalised footballer above the age of 18 should at least have resided in his new country for five years before being allowed to play for the national team.

That means Douglas will have to wait until September 2012 before being officially eligible for 'Oranje' jersey, just after Euro 2012.

The Dutch football association could ask for dispensation but the process will take some time.