Youri Tielemans issues apology to Aston Villa fans after poor ‘choice of words’

Youri Tielemans admitted it was a ‘mistake’ to publicly claim there were clubs ‘above’ Aston Villa, including Manchester United.

The newly-acquired Red Devil made the controversial comment during a roundtable interview with several reporters.

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“I am very thankful to Aston Villa,” Tielemans said.

“I owe them the world. It is a great club, we did amazing things, and they have put me back to my best level.

“But there are clubs above Villa, and Manchester United is one of them. It is a great achievement for any footballer to end up here. It means you have done well in your career. But it does not end there. I want to be successful.”

Tielemans’ comments evidently did not go down well with sections of Villa’s fanbase, prompting him to issue an apology on social media.

Youri Tielemans’ apology to Aston Villa fans

“Never meant for my words in the press yesterday to offend anyone or undermine the institution of Aston Villa Football Club which I massively respect and I’m grateful to for the past three years,” Tielemans 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. Youri.”

Tielemans made the move from Villa to United in July after the Red Devils triggered his £35million release clause.

Youri Tielemans’ Aston Villa career at a glance

It brought the curtain down on Tielemans’ three-year stint at Villa Park, having joined on a free transfer in July 2023 following his departure from Leicester City.

While at Villa, Tielemans helped the club qualify for the Champions League twice and reach the FA Cup semi-finals.

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But his most iconic moment in a Villa shirt came during last season’s Europa League final.

Tielemans opened the scoring with a remarkable first-time volley, slamming home Morgan Rogers’ floated cross from the left.

The 29-year-old’s goal proved to be the first of three on the night for Villa as the Europa League triumph ended their 30-year trophy drought.

Tielemans then linked up with Belgium following the end of the club season and helped his nation reach the World Cup quarter-finals, where they were beaten by Spain.

Sadly for Tielemans, he did not play a part in Belgium’s loss against Spain having picked up an injury during the warm-up.

Prior to Belgium’s quarter-final exit, Tielemans had played all but five minutes of the nation’s World Cup campaign.