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Youri Tielemans has issued an apology to Aston Villa after sparking controversy by stating that he joined Manchester United because they are a bigger club than his former team.
The Belgium international completed a £35 million ($47 million) transfer to Old Trafford in July, following United’s activation of a release clause in his contract with Villa. Prior to the move, Tielemans had been instrumental in helping Aston Villa secure the Europa League title last season, ending a 30-year trophy drought for the club.
Despite Villa finishing just one place below Manchester United in the Premier League standings last season, Tielemans openly acknowledged the stature difference between the two clubs. “There are clubs above Villa, and Manchester United is one of them,” he remarked recently, a statement that did not sit well with many Villa supporters.
Apology and Respect for Aston Villa
Having joined Villa from Leicester City in 2023, Tielemans took to social media to clarify his intentions and express regret for the impact of his words. On Thursday, the 29-year-old posted on Instagram, emphasizing his respect and gratitude towards Aston Villa for the three years he spent with the club.
“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. He acknowledged his mistake and promised to be more careful with his choice of words going forward. “Wishing the club the best in the future,” he concluded.
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