Youri Tielemans has admitted he made a mistake when referring to Manchester United as being "above" Aston Villa.
Tielemans ended his stint at Villa earlier this summer when he joined 13-time Premier League champions United for a fee of £35m.
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 Champions League twice.
Tielemans also scored in last season's Europa League final, as Villa swatted aside Freiburg to win their 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."
Tielemans directly contributed to 34 goals for Villa (10 goals, 24 assists), while he led their squad in the past three seasons for chances created (165), level with Morgan Rogers, who has also departed this summer.
Villa went down 2-1 to Paris Saint-Germain in the Super Cup on Wednesday.
hiebmnrsy
0
THE TRUTH IS IN THE LAST TEN YEARS VILLA IS ABOVE MANCHESTER UNITED, THAT'S WHY HE APOLOGISED, PAST GLORY DOESN'T COUNT, LESTER AND AC MILAN IS A GOOD EXAMPLE OF THAT
I think you don’t follow English premier league . When did Aston Villa get above Manchester United sound like a jealous idiot. Barcelona is doing good and is very successful club so as Man U
fosbcklnru
0
so is Manchester united not a better club than villa? what is there to apologize for?
laqracka_
1
these bad comments will haunt your season just wait [Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
FazullBouwy
0
THE TRUTH IS IN THE LAST TEN YEARS VILLA IS ABOVE MANCHESTER UNITED, THAT'S WHY HE APOLOGISED, PAST GLORY DOESN'T COUNT, LESTER AND AC MILAN IS A GOOD EXAMPLE OF THAT
zero champion league last 16years agio🤣🤣🤣🤣 cry barca
suycdeinsy
0
THE TRUTH IS IN THE LAST TEN YEARS VILLA IS ABOVE MANCHESTER UNITED, THAT'S WHY HE APOLOGISED, PAST GLORY DOESN'T COUNT, LESTER AND AC MILAN IS A GOOD EXAMPLE OF THAT
10 years ? What did they won in last 10 years. Oponu
Baabekoruy
0
so what is wrong that comment?
Suarezzy
1
THE TRUTH IS IN THE LAST TEN YEARS VILLA IS ABOVE MANCHESTER UNITED, THAT'S WHY HE APOLOGISED, PAST GLORY DOESN'T COUNT, LESTER AND AC MILAN IS A GOOD EXAMPLE OF THAT
komaelnp
0
Please he has to respect Aston Villa football is speaking in his mind not what you Man U people see it to be
obrigado900
0
So you telling me that he needed to apologize for saying the truth?? 🤯
he bit the finger that fed him. That's being ungrateful. It's best he apologized
Binlause
0
So you telling me that he needed to apologize for saying the truth?? 🤯
Yeah, like the truth Enderson said about Manchester City being bigger than United
Daccdkrsty
1
Bruno. Fernan
Nodaimpru
1
For speaking the truth? 🤔
AmoG5150
1
But that was the truth no any lie
bengr88t
2
Don't take these players for their words. They back where the PAY is always coming from and that is human nature.
vabacilprt
0
So you telling me that he needed to apologize for saying the truth?? 🤯
BradleyShingaiZimb
0
No lie detected there
voomosuyz
1
but is true United above Villa many many times
Tombceiors
0
ManU
jooanorsy
1
nihdekopu
0
Though united are above villa but you should not degrade your roots
EgauGideon
1
You can't compare Aston villa with Manchester united maybe if it was Arsenal i would accept. l am just saying
Jamadinors
3
Do you apologize when what is just said is the truth. The two clubs are not in the same level.
Cenabdnz
0
good news
Muuakmnpuz
1
stupid player.
taaabelrs
1
why nonsense apology man utd and Aston Villa has no comparison Aston Villa should be compared with Newcastle and, Bolton and Queens Park rangers
Fonbcdpst
1
It’s fact why apologizing.
dillis kaliye
Gamer15
0
It’s fact why apologizing.