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Youri Tielemans has apologised to Aston Villa after admitting his decision to join Manchester United was influenced by the club’s bigger global status.
The Belgium midfielder completed a £35 million ($47 million) move to Old Trafford in July after Manchester United activated a release clause in his Aston Villa contract.
Tielemans played a key role in Villa’s recent success, helping the club end a 30-year wait for a major trophy after scoring in their Europa League final victory against Freiburg last season. He joined Villa from Leicester City in 2023 and became an important part of Unai Emery’s squad.
However, comments Tielemans made about his move to United caused frustration among some Villa supporters. The 29-year-old said, “There are clubs above Villa, and Manchester United is one of them,” while explaining his decision to leave for the 20-time English champions.
Although Manchester United have a larger worldwide following and a longer history of domestic success, Tielemans’ remarks were criticised by some Villa fans, particularly after the club’s recent progress under Emery.
The midfielder later took to social media to apologise and clarify his comments.
“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,” Tielemans wrote on Instagram.
“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.”
Tielemans described his transfer to Manchester United as “the culmination of years of dedication since I first fell in love with football”.
The midfielder is expected to make his first Premier League appearance for United in their opening fixture of the season against Hull on August 22.
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