Youri Tielemans has issued an apology to Aston Villa supporters following remarks he made during Manchester United's pre-season tour, in which he suggested his new club was a step up from his previous one.
Tielemans, 29, joined Manchester United this summer on a five-year contract after the club triggered a £35 million release clause in his Aston Villa deal. He spent three seasons at Villa Park after arriving from Leicester City in 2023, accumulating 134 appearances and scoring 10 goals.
During the tour, Tielemans had commented that while Villa had helped him regain his form, "there are clubs above Villa, and Manchester United is one of them." These statements drew criticism from some Villa fans.
Seeking to address the situation, Tielemans took to Instagram to clarify his position. "Never meant for my words in the press yesterday to offend anyone or the institution of Aston Villa Football Club, which I massively respect and I'm grateful for the past 3 years," he wrote. "I must however admit my mistake and apologise for my choice of words, will be more careful in the future. Wishing the club the best in the future."