Youri Tielemans has apologised to Aston Villa supporters after his comments in an interview following his move to Manchester United sparked a furious reaction. The Belgian midfielder, who joined United this summer, had been asked whether he felt the opportunity to join the club had passed him by after two previous attempts to sign him were unsuccessful.
Comments on Villa and United
In the interview, Tielemans said: "Not really, because I know that at Villa we did amazing things. We 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."
He added: "Especially at this moment, there is a very positive mood in and around the club so I am just hopeful that we can have a great story together. 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."
Previous attempts to sign
Tielemans also reflected on his previous links to United, saying: "It is a great achievement for any player to end up here. There has been two times that I spoke with the club, but it did not achieve to anything. When a move comes up, then if it needs to happen, it will happen. At the times that I have been linked with the club before, it did not happen, but it is what it is."
Apology on social media
The comments about United being one of the clubs a level above Aston Villa upset some supporters at his former club, prompting Tielemans to apologise on his Instagram story. He wrote: "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."
He continued: "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."
