Seven teams will fight for the ultimate prize to be the best football club in the world. But the former Manchester United star said that Argentine club Estudiantes are strong contenders as well.

“Barcelona are a strong club and are one of the favourites for the FIFA Club World Cup. But you cannot count Estudiantes out. We played against them before and believe me, they are very strong. The Argentine style of play is quite remarkable and they are one of the strongest teams apart from Barcelona,” Sir Bobby Charlton said on Thursday.

Sir Bobby Charlton was at the Official Match Draw event for the FIFA Club World Cup.

Emphasising the importance of the FIFA Club World Cup, Sir Bobby Charlton said: “Everyone wants a picture taken with the Club World Cup. Believe me, it is an honour and a proud moment for these clubs because those who have lined up here have won from their respective continents. Your club is going to be the champion of the world, not just from Europe,” he said.

Sir Bobby Charlton said that fans in the UAE as well as the rest of the world are in for some quality football going by the field which will line up in the FIFA Club World Cup. “It is a marvellous opportunity to go forward. It is a fantastic trophy. Some do have an advantage in the FIFA Club World Cup, like Barcelona and Estudiantes. But the other clubs too are quite strong and fans are in for a real treat,” said Sir Bobby Charlton.

Sir Bobby Charlton was a touch disappointed that Manchester United could not defend their FIF Club World Cup crown but said the worthy team made the cut. “It was disappointing because we had got that far. Manchester United and Barcelona are two of the best clubs in the world, with some of the best managers and players as well. We ended up on the losing side but that’s how it goes,” he said.

Manchester United went down to Spanish giants Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League final in Rome. Barcelona earned the right to take part in the FIFA Club World Cup, with that win.