Youri Tielemans has insisted he knew immediately that he wanted to join Aston Villa from Leicester City this summer following talks with Unai Emery.
The Belgian star has been speaking to Het Laatste Nieuws regarding his move to Villa Park, which was confirmed earlier this month.
The midfielder had been available on a free transfer after his contract with Leicester came to an end following a four-year spell at the club after an initial loan move from Monaco in January 2019.
His future had been heavily speculated on for the last year, with numerous sides said to be eyeing up a deal and a potential bargain for a player who is still highly regarded and only 26-years-old.
It was Aston Villa who eventually won the race, though, announcing a deal earlier this month ahead of what is likely to be a busy first summer transfer window under manager Unai Emery.
And it was the Spaniard who convinced Tielemans on the move, according to the player himself, who says his conversations with the coach made up his mind quickly.
“I chose quickly because I knew immediately that I wanted to go to Aston Villa,” he said.
“Because of the conversations I had and the plan that was presented to me. It all made sense. Aston Villa convinced me. The coach convinced me. And the project convinced me.
“That’s why it didn’t take me so long to choose. I also wanted it wrapped up as quickly as possible, because I want to be as free as possible in my head in the coming weeks.
“The project is very clear. Aston Villa is really ambitious. We want to qualify for the Conference League via the play-offs – European football is a goal. But Aston Villa also want to compete at the top.
“However difficult that is in the Premier League, because there are many teams who want to compete at the top. But Aston Villa have made so many positive steps under the new coach.
“And the way he spoke to me, the way he explained everything and the confidence he expressed in me…. All that convinced me.”
