Youri Tielemans has apologised to Aston Villa supporters after comments comparing his old club unfavourably with Manchester United drew a backlash from the stands he left behind this summer.
Speaking during United's pre-season tour of the Republic of Ireland, the Belgium midfielder thanked Villa for putting him "back to my best level" before adding: "But there are clubs above Villa, and Manchester United is one of them." The remark upset some Villa fans, prompting Tielemans to clarify his position on Instagram on Thursday.
"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. "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, 29, joined Villa from Leicester City in 2023 and made 134 appearances, scoring 10 goals, before United triggered a £35m release clause in his contract this summer to sign him on a five-year deal to 2031. He helped Belgium reach the World Cup quarter-finals over the summer, having been restricted to 35 appearances in his final Villa season by separate calf and ankle problems, the fewest of his time in England.