Tielemans apologises to Villa for United comments
Youri Tielemans said that Manchester United is a step above Aston Villa, but he has now apologised for his comments.
Tielemans ended his stint at Villa by joining 13-time Premier League champion United for a fee of £35 million ($66.9 million).
The 29-year-old joined Villa from Leicester City in 2023, and made 134 appearances for the club in all competitions, helping Unai Emery's team qualify for the UEFA Champions League twice.
Tielemans also scored in last season's UEFA Europa League final, as Villa swatted Freiburg aside to win its second major European trophy.
While speaking to the media in Ireland earlier this week, Tielemans said Villa got him back to his best level, before adding that, "there are clubs above Villa and Manchester United is one of them".
However, the Belgian has now apologised after he faced a backlash from Villa fans.
"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 three years," he wrote on social media.
"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."
