Twente defender Douglas is delighted his work in gaining Dutch citizenship has paid off with a call-up to the Netherlands squad.

The Brazil-born player was drafted into the Oranje party for their 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ qualifiers against Andorra and Romania. And he felt it was justification for turning his back on his native country.

He told ANP after his first training session on Monday: "I'm very happy, this is such a special, special day. I had to do so much to become a Dutch citizen.

"I'm glad I'm here now, I've studied hard. It has lasted about three years and everything was difficult. But now my Dutch is a lot better and I know a lot of the country."

The 24-year-old is now hoping to make a positive impression in front of coach Louis van Gaal.

"My goal was always to be called up by the Oranje," Douglas stated. "Now I have to make sure that I stay here for a long time.

"I must do this by continuing to work hard, especially in the coming days. I will do everything to show that I deserve a place in the squad."