By Richard Clarke

Abou Diaby could easily have been lining up against Arsenal on Saturday.

The French midfielder was on the books at Paris St Germain for two years as a teenager before joining up with Auxerre. A few years later he broke into the first-team with Guy Roux's side and subsequently moved to Arsenal in January 2006. After a nasty injury at the end of his first season, he is now establishing himself in Arsène Wenger's team and is likely to play a major role when his home town club visit North London for the Emirates Cup on Saturday. That said, he was hardly a devoted fan when he was young.

"I was with PSG when I was 13 and I left when I reached 15," Diaby told Arsenal.com. "Although I was born in Paris and every Parisian seems to support them, I actually supported Marseilles.

"But I did like them when George Weah played there. I loved this player for what he did on the pitch but also I think he was a nice guy off the pitch. He did a lot for his country, Liberia. I respect him a lot."

Last season, PSG finished in an uncharacteristic 15th place. Diaby believes they will respond positively this season.

"They are a good side," he said. "It was difficult for them last year. They are a big club and normally they have to play for a place in the top three in the Championship. But this year they will be a good side again.

"They still have Pauleta and some good young players in the side. Also Paul le Guen is a good coach as well. I remember when he used to play for PSG a few years ago. He did so well in charge at Lyon and I think he can bring this experience to Paris this season."