Tielemans walks back 'clubs above Villa' claim after fan backlash

Youri Tielemans has publicly apologised to Aston Villa after suggesting that Manchester United remain a step above the club he left behind this summer.

The 29-year-old midfielder completed a £35m move to the 13-time Premier League champions earlier in the close season, bringing to an end a three-year spell at Villa Park that yielded 134 appearances in all competitions.

Speaking to the media in Ireland earlier this week, Tielemans acknowledged that Villa had restored him to his best level before adding: “There are clubs above Villa and Manchester United is one of them.”

The remark drew a swift backlash from supporters of the club he had helped qualify for the Champions League on two occasions under Unai Emery, and the Belgian has now moved to make amends.

‘I must admit my mistake’

Taking to social media, Tielemans wrote: “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.

“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.”

A fond Villa legacy

Tielemans arrived at Villa from Leicester City in 2023 and was a key figure across his three campaigns. He directly contributed to 34 goals for the club — 10 of his own and 24 assists — and led the squad for chances created over the period with 165, level with Morgan Rogers, who has also departed this summer.

He also scored in last season’s Europa League final as Villa swatted aside Freiburg to collect their second major European trophy.

The apology comes with Villa having suffered a 2-1 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Super Cup on Wednesday, leaving supporters in need of a lift ahead of the new campaign.