Former France international forward Laurent Robert has expressed a desire to see Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle United qualify for the Champions League knockout stage.
As both sides prepare to face off in their Group F clash on Wednesday, Robert, who has strong ties to each club, has refrained from picking sides.
The 48-year-old enjoyed a fruitful two-year stint with PSG from 1999 to 2001, bagging 34 goals and 11 assists in 84 appearances for the French giants.
He then switched allegiances to Newcastle in 2001, spending four and a half years associated with the Magpies, netting 32 goals and 54 assists in 181 games.
Robert, who is poised to attend the mouth-watering fixture at St James Park, stopped short of predicting the outcome of the match but admitted he wants to see both clubs succeed in the tournament.
“It will not be an easy match for PSG,” Robert told Francebleu.
“When I saw the draw, I said to myself that it’s going to be these two clubs that are going to come out of the pools! I hope so with all my heart.
“I wouldn’t tell you Newcastle or Paris will win, but I want both teams to qualify for the next round.”
Newcastle will be eager to prove they belong in Europe’s primary club tournament as St James’ Park hosts its inaugural Champions League fixture in 20 years.
They head into the historic encounter brimming with confidence after going five games unbeaten across all competitions, including a three-match winning streak.
The Magpies have also kept a clean sheet in their last five outings, winning their previous three fixtures by a combined scoreline of 11-0.
While their form is enough to bolster confidence, they will need every trick in their locker to oust the reigning Ligue 1 champions, who have prioritised success in this tournament over the years.
