The Blues take on Burnley as Premier League action returns with Hart set to face City in a competitive fixture for the very first time.
The England keeper was with the Club for 11 years, making 348 appearances in a distinguished spell at the Etihad during which he won the title twice plus FA Cup and Capital One Cup (twice).
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Laporte says he has nothing but respect for the Clarets keeper and expects it to be an emotional return on Saturday.
“I trained with Joe Hart in pre-season,” he said.
“He’s a very good goalkeeper and a very good person, too. He was well liked by all the players and I think the supporters of Manchester City love him because of his achievements over the years.
“He trained really well and was very professional during the summer, so it will be nice to see him again and I am sure he will get a fantastic reception when he walks out on Saturday.”
Laporte is expecting Burnley to steadily climb the table in the coming weeks and believes Sean Dyche’s side are in a somewhat false position at present.
“Burnley had a fantastic season last year and even though they’ve not started as well this campaign, they are beginning to pick points up and they have good players,” said Laporte.
“They have the same players who got them into Europe last year – and good players will punish you if you are not at your best.
“All the teams in England are fast and have good physicality. Burnley are the perfect example of this.
“They may not be the most famous club in England, but they are respected, and they have earned that respect.”
