Youri Tielemans has apologised to Aston Villa fans after suggesting he had moved to a bigger club in Premier League rivals Manchester United.
The Belgium midfielder, 29, moved to Old Trafford this summer on a five-year deal from Villa when United triggered a £35m release clause in his contract.
Tielemans spent three years at Villa Park after joining from Leicester City in 2023, making 134 appearances and scoring 10 goals.
Speaking during United’s pre-season tour, Tielemans praised Villa for putting him “back to my best level”, before adding: “But there are clubs above Villa, and Manchester United is one of them.”
Some Villa fans were unhappy with Tielemans’ comments, so he took to Instagram, external to clear the air.
“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 on Thursday.
“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.”