"These jobs don't come around every five minutes and I would love to manage an international team," Aldridge told the South Wales Echo newspaper.
"This is too good an opportunity to let pass me by, it's just so tempting. I posted my application last night.
"Mark Hughes did a fine job, but I had five successful years at Tranmere Rovers and was involved in international football for nearly 14 years taking in two World Cups and a European Championship so I know what's it all about.
"I am a very passionate man, football has always been my life. I was with Newport County for five years and I know how passionate the Welsh people are about their sport and in particular their football.
"To be honest, as soon as Mark Hughes announced officially that he was leaving it was always in my mind to have a go for the job and to contact the Football Association of Wales.
"In the last week or so I have had so many friends in the game - both footballers and managers - say to me that I should apply."
Gerard Houllier, John Toshack, Ian Rush and Bryan Flynn have all been named as potential successors to Hughes by the Wales FA.