Youri Tielemans has apologised to Aston Villa supporters after comments made following his move to Manchester United sparked a negative reaction among his former club’s fanbase.
The Belgium international completed a £35 million switch to Old Trafford after United triggered the release clause in his Villa contract. Tielemans had spent three years at Villa and became an important figure in the side, making 134 appearances, scoring 10 goals and registering 24 assists.
However, one comment about his new club being a step above Villa did not go down well in Birmingham.
Tielemans apologises to Villa supporters
Tielemans recently explained that he hadn’t expected to leave Villa during the summer before United made their move. While discussing his departure, he also praised his former club and acknowledged the role it played in helping him rediscover his best form.
“We [Villa] achieved the Europa League win which was great for the club but there are still clubs above Aston Villa, and Manchester United is one of them.
“Aston Villa is a great club and I owe them the world. They have put me back at my best level so I am very thankful.”
The comments about Manchester United being one of the clubs above Villa caused frustration among some supporters.
Tielemans has now moved to address the reaction himself. In an Instagram story, the new United midfielder admitted he could have chosen his words more carefully.
“Never meant for my words in the press yesterday to offend anyone or undermime the institution of Aston Villa Football Club, which I massively respect and I’m grateful to for the past three years.
“I must, however, admit my mistake and apologise for my choice of words, [I] will be more careful in the future. Wishing the club the best in the future. Youri.”
The apology comes after what had otherwise been a hugely positive period for Tielemans at Villa.
Tielemans leaves Villa on a high
The midfielder played a key role in Villa’s Europa League success last season, helping the club secure their first trophy in 30 years.
His focus will now turn fully towards United, but the former Villa midfielder will know that his words have left some unhappy fans behind.
For all the noise surrounding the comments, though, Tielemans has taken responsibility and apologised. That may go some way towards repairing his relationship with the supporters who once cheered him in the Midlands.
