When Arsenal face Paris Saint-Germain in Budapest later this month, the former striker will find himself emotionally torn between the club where he made his name and the club he supported growing up in Paris.
But in truth, there is no real conflict.
“Oh, Arsenal,” Aliadiere told Football Presse when asked who he will be backing. “I have to. Arsenal is my club, always has been and always will be.”
Still, his affection for PSG runs deep.
“I grew up in Paris and I was a PSG fan as a young boy before I fell in love with Arsenal and played for the club. So it’s nice to see PSG back there again.”
Aliadiere admits Arsenal face a huge challenge. While many expected PSG to reach this stage after another dominant European campaign, he believes the French champions may actually be stronger now than at any point in recent years.
“I’m not even sure as an Arsenal fan if I wouldn’t have preferred someone like Bayern Munich,” he said. “PSG are very, very strong again this year. It’s going to be a tough game.”
Aliadiere believes the final could be shaped by Arsenal’s domestic momentum heading into Budapest.
“If Arsenal win the Premier League this weekend, that could give them such a boost. That confidence can carry you into a final.”
But he also knows how ruthless one-off finals can be.
“I learned a lot watching finals in recent years. Over one game, it doesn’t matter what you’ve done all season — if you’re not ready mentally, you can lose everything.”
Tactically, Aliadiere believes Mikel Arteta faces a major decision.
“Do Arsenal stay compact and defend, or do they go toe-to-toe? That’s the big question.”
What gives him hope is Arsenal’s growing attacking speed in recent weeks.
“Lately Arsenal have been moving the ball forward much quicker, and if PSG attack the way they always do, Arsenal could really hurt them in transition.”
Aliadiere also pushed back against suggestions Arsenal have had an “easy” route to the final.
“People said Arsenal had the easier side of the draw, but you still have to perform,” he told Football Presse on behalf of Premier League title race. “When you’re in the quarter-finals and semi-finals of the Champions League, there are no easy games.”
He was particularly impressed with Arsenal’s maturity in eliminating Atletico Madrid.
“The game management was spot on. We looked organised, we looked dangerous, and at no point did I feel Arsenal were in trouble.”
While Aliadiere’s heart belongs to Arsenal, he admits PSG possess perhaps the most dangerous player in world football right now in Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
“Oh my God… I want Arsenal to sign him,” he laughed. “Right now he’s probably the best player in the world in that position.”
Aliadiere was full of praise for the Georgian winger’s complete game.
“He can dribble, score, assist, defend, track back — his work rate is unbelievable. He’s changed PSG.”
In fact, Aliadiere believes Kvaratskhelia’s arrival transformed the entire club.
“Before he arrived, PSG looked beatable. Since then, they’ve become a completely different team.”
Which is why Aliadiere knows exactly what’s at stake in Budapest.
“We’ve been unbeaten in the Champions League, we’ve been consistent, and we deserve to be there,” he said. “But nobody remembers a good run if you lose the final.”
For Aliadiere, sentiment can wait.
Now Arsenal have to make it count.