Youri Tielemans Apologizes to Aston Villa Fans

Youri Tielemans has moved quickly to repair his relationship with Aston Villa supporters after comments about his transfer to Manchester United sparked a backlash.

The Belgium midfielder, who left Villa Park for Old Trafford this summer when United activated a £35m release clause, appeared to rank his new club above his old one during United’s pre-season tour.

Tielemans, 29, had initially spoken warmly about his time in the Midlands, crediting Villa with restoring his level after his move from Leicester City in 2023. He made 134 appearances and scored 10 goals in claret and blue, becoming a key figure in Unai Emery’s side over three seasons.

But one line changed the mood.

“Villa put me back to my best level,” he said, before adding: “But there are clubs above Villa, and Manchester United is one of them.”

Those words landed badly with sections of the Villa fanbase, who felt a player they had backed and celebrated had diminished the club on his way out. The reaction was sharp enough for Tielemans to address the issue publicly.

Taking to Instagram on Thursday, the midfielder attempted to draw a line under the controversy and stressed his respect for his former club.

“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.”

It was a clear step back from a player who knows exactly how quickly a single sentence can reshape a legacy at a club where he had, until this week, left on largely positive terms.