The 30-year-old is finally showing why Arsene Wenger brought him to Arsenal as a teenager, after a career blighted by poor form and injuries

EXCLUSIVE
By Naim Beneddra

Jeremie Aliadiere insists that he has no regrets over his time in England and is instead simply savouring “the best season of his career”, with Lorient.

The former France Under-21 international was snapped up by Arsenal at the age of 16 but he never made the grade with the Gunners, scoring just one league goal during a six-year stay that featured unsuccessful loan spells with Celtic, West Ham and Wolves.

He eventually moved on to Middlesbrough but also failed to prove himself on Teeside before returning to France to join Lorient two years ago.

Now 30, Aliadiere is finally showcasing his best form, scoring 15 Ligue 1 goals this season, but has rejected the idea that he should never have moved to north London.

“No, not at all,” the forward told Goal.com.

“I learned a lot at Arsenal and other teams. If things are going well for me this year, it’s because of how I developed in England. It is perhaps because of my experiences in England that I am at the level I am today.”

Aliadiere insists that he is in no way emotionally scarred by the tortuous nature of his time in England and would have no issue returning should the opportunity ever present itself.

“Yes, why not,” he continued. “But it’s not something I’m concentrating on. Besides, it would depend on many things, including the club.

“But I remember the good memories. However, I do not feel a need to return to England.”

Aliadiere has also revealed that he could represent Algeria, the nation of his descent, in the World Cup next year, despite playing for France as a youngster.

“Yes, there was contact and I have not closed the door on that because I am proud of my origins,” he explained.

“And to play the World Cup, that would be an offer one could not refuse. It’s a childhood dream of mine.”