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Manchester United midfielder Youri Tielemans has explained his decision to leave Aston Villa for Old Trafford.
Tielemans completed a £35m move to United this summer after the club triggered his release clause.
The Belgium international said United had previously considered signing him twice.
The first approach came in 2019 after his impressive loan spell at Leicester City.
United also explored a move for him again in 2022.
“There had been two times that I spoke with the club, but it did not achieve anything,” Tielemans said.
Tielemans said he had not expected to leave Villa this summer.
He was instead focused on his football and Belgium’s World Cup campaign.
“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.
However, he knew a transfer remained possible because of his release clause.
“But you know every summer something can happen, and obviously I was aware of the clause,” he added.
The 29-year-old praised Villa for helping him rediscover his best 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,” Tielemans said.
Despite his gratitude, Tielemans believes United represents a step higher.
“But there are clubs above Villa, and Manchester United is one of them,” he said.
He described joining United as a major career achievement but wants more.
“It is a great achievement for any footballer to end up here. It means you have done well in your career,” he said.
“But it does not end there. I want to be successful.”
Tielemans will now compete for a regular place at Old Trafford.
He will also aim to help United challenge for major honours.
