Youri Tielemans has apologised to Aston Villa after comments made during his Manchester United unveiling sparked a backlash among supporters of his former club.
The Belgium international, who joined United this summer after the club triggered his £35 million release clause, said Villa had helped him rediscover his best form but suggested there were “clubs above Villa”, naming United among them.
Tielemans subsequently acknowledged that he had chosen his words poorly and addressed Villa supporters directly on Instagram.
“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.
“I must however admit my mistake and apologise for my choice of words, will be more careful in the future.”
Tielemans apologises to Aston Villa fans over Man Utd comments
Tielemans spent three seasons at Villa before completing his move to Old Trafford, making 134 appearances and scoring 10 goals during his time at the club.
The 29-year-old has now signed a five-year contract with United and is preparing for his first season at the club, having described the move as the culmination of years of dedication to his career.
His departure brought an end to a spell in which he became an important part of Villa’s midfield, although injuries limited him to 35 appearances in all competitions last season.
Tielemans is now competing for a place in Michael Carrick’s midfield ahead of United’s opening Premier League fixture. United face AC Milan in their final pre-season game on Saturday, while Villa meet Borussia Monchengladbach.