Melo sparked a melee at the end of City's Club World Cup final victory, with the veteran later blaming Grealish for his actions. Melo claimed he heard Grealish chant 'Ole' during City's 4-0 win.

After Grealish denied the accusation, Melo doubled down, stating: "I've already seen on social media idiots saying that I started a mess. I know how to lose. When you lose, it's time to keep quiet. I was very upset because I dreamed a lot about this competition, but I'm very proud.

"Fluminense is the second-biggest team in the world and first in South America. We lost, but we got here. We won the Libertadores. Until next season, we will continue to be the Libertadores champion.

"No one, even Manchester City players will not lack respect for us. I don't lack respect for anyone. So I expect to be respected. And he (Grealish) did not respect. He is someone who lost my respect."

Melo had previously stated: "When the game ended, Grealish went after Martinelli. He chose a little guy. He has no balls to face a big one. Grealish was passing close to Martinelli and I saw them talking, forehead to forehead, so I went after him. I pushed him. (Kyle) Walker pushed me, too. I went to defend a teammate.

"I defended my institution. I will do this forever. No one will disrespect my institution or its athletes. No one will come and humiliate my friends or my club. I didn't want a mess. Grealish was disrespectful towards the Fluminense institution and I will never let that happen.

"He was shouting 'Ole' at the end of the game. This is something that the fans can do, not a player - an athlete on the field cannot be disrespectful. I went to defend Martinelli, who was being cornered by this athlete. And I would do it again. I am a warrior. Nobody can ever crow with a rooster."