Bayern Munich midfielder Franck Ribery has labelled himself the new Zinedine Zidane.

The France international has long been compared to his now-retired World Cup 2006 team-mate, such is the pair's similar playing style and the French public's desperation to find a successor to Zidane.

Ribery has usually sought to distance himself from the comparison - and the pressure that comes with it - but following an impressive debut season in the Bundesliga, he has now admitted he is the natural heir to Zidane's throne.

He told Le Parisien newspaper: "It's true that I am his successor, due to my game, my positioning and my qualities.

"When Zizou was playing I was often with him. He always told me to keep going, that he was happy with me, and plenty of other nice comments which I still receive now."

Having helped Bayern to the German Cup glory last weekend as well as to the brink of a 21st Bundesliga title and to the semi-finals of the UEFA Cup, Ribery has already done much to justify his club record 25 million euro transfer fee.

And the former Marseille ace is hoping he can lead France to a successful Euro 2008 campaign this summer, having established a better relationship with coach Raymond Domenech.

"We speak more than before. I enjoy having a coach who's close to the players," he said.

"When I go to the French side I feel a lot better than before, both on the pitch and off it.

"I have more responsibilities. You could say I'm one of the leaders."

Mike Hytner / Eurosport