Man City sent angry warning by Fluminense's old boys - who include Felipe Melo and Real Madrid icon

Manchester City have been warned that Fluminense’s Dad’s Army will come out with all guns blazing on Friday night.

The Brazilian Copa Libertadores winners are furious after being written off as a team of has-beens ahead of their Club World Cup clash with Pep Guardiola's Treble winners. Both Guardiola and City skipper Kyle Walker did their best to defuse the situation by insisting they will be giving Fluminense total respect.

But Flu coach Fernando Diniz’s starting team in the semi-final win over Al Ahly had an average age of almost 32 - and included 43-year-old keeper Fabio and 40-year-old Filipe Melo.

There were also five players in their 30s, including former Real Madrid full-back Marcelo, 35, who will be playing in his fifth Club World Cup Final. Melo, who had to be talked out of retiring last year when he left the club’s training ground in tears fearing his body could take no more, insists he is in better shape than Captain Mainwaring.

He said: “There are also players who can play after a certain age and still play better than other players. I am still playing because I love the game, because I am disciplined and because I work hard. Other people can say stupid things.

“I think I mirror the team. I am the role model. In football, different people can be role models, young players and more seasoned players. Being 40 years old means I am able to dismantle a game. My motivation is to bring home the bacon.”

Diniz was just as forthright. He said: “When other people lack respect it motives us. It would be great if we won, but what we will show is that we are not a Soccer Aid team. We have to be respected.”

Guardiola was reluctant to get involved in the diplomatic incident. He said: “I am not going to talk for one second about