However, as Villa prepare to take on Ajax in the Europa League, Traore gave his verdict on his old teams.
"I was there for the pre-season and saw how the team has developed," Traore told Ajax's website.
"They have world class players and one of the best managers in the world, I think.
"Aston Villa is a great, passionate club with incredible supporters. They have an incredible history, and now they're back on the European stage where they belong."
"They have a lot of top players and have a lot of confidence. They're well-organized with a lot of individual quality. But Ajax is a great club.
"They aren't in the running to win the league right now, but sometimes you can rise above yourself in Europe. It will be a fantastic match.
"Villarreal plays at 9pm, but I am not registered. I will definitely try to watch the game before that. May the best team win."