EPL: Why I left Villa for Man United - Tielemans

Youri Tielemans has shed light on his summer transfer from Aston Villa to Manchester United, asserting that the Old Trafford club represents a significant step up.

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There had been two times that I spoke with the club, but it did not achieve anything.

Tielemans completed a £35 million move to Manchester United after the club activated his release clause, concluding a protracted transfer saga. The Belgian international revealed that Manchester United had previously shown interest in him twice before, in 2019 and again in 2022.

"There had been two times that I spoke with the club, but it did not achieve anything," Tielemans stated, as reported by BBC Sport. He admitted he had not anticipated leaving Villa this summer, having been focused on his football and the World Cup. "I was very calm. I was not expecting much this summer, to be fair. I was just focused on my football, focused on the World Cup and trying to perform my best for my country," he said.

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I was very calm. I was not expecting much this summer, to be fair. I was just focused on my football, focused on the World Cup and trying to perform my best for my country.

However, the midfielder acknowledged the possibility of a transfer due to the release clause in his Villa contract. "But you know every summer something can happen, and obviously I was aware of the clause," he added. Despite his departure, Tielemans conveyed his appreciation for Aston Villa, crediting the club with helping him rediscover his top form. "I am very thankful to Aston Villa. I owe them the world. It is a great club, we did amazing things, and they have put me back to my best level," he said.

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But you know every summer something can happen, and obviously I was aware of the clause.

Nevertheless, Tielemans firmly believes Manchester United operates on a higher level. "But there are clubs above Villa, and Manchester United is one of them," he stated. He views his move to United as a career highlight but is driven by a desire for further success. "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 now aims to establish himself at Manchester United and contribute to the club's pursuit of major honors.

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