In his first interview since joining Manchester United, former Aston Villa player Youri Tielemans claimed that didn’t expect to leave the Villans after the World Cup.
Man United were able to scoop up the services of the midfield technician for just £35 million, due to his release clause.
Although they had shown interest in Tielemans in the past, Man United’s aggressive movement in the market for the Belgian showed their intent, having lost the experience of Casemiro to Inter Miami early in the window.
Talks previously came to nothing
“There has been two times that I spoke with the club, but it did not achieve anything so I was just very calm about it,” Tielemans said, regarding being approached by Man United previously.
“It was mainly my agent that was dealing with it, I was more so focused on the World Cup which was a big thing for me.
“When it was time that it was accepted and acceptable, I would say then I was made aware.
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‘I was just focused on the World Cup’
“I was not expecting much [a summer move], to be fair. I was just focused on my football, focused on the World Cup, trying to perform as best as I could for my country.
“Then every summer something can happen,” Tielemans added.
‘Big Six’ opportunity
When asked whether he thought the prospect of joining a traditional ‘Big Six’ club had passed, he responded: “Not really, because I know that at Villa we did amazing things.
“We achieved the Europa League win which was great for the club but there are still clubs above Aston Villa, and Manchester United is one of them.
“Especially at this moment, there is a very positive mood in and around the club so I am just hopeful that we can have a great story together.
“Aston Villa is a great club and I owe them the world. They have put me back at my best level so I am very thankful.”
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