Bayern Munich Say He Can Replace Christiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi - SPORT

Bayern Munich attacking midfielder says he can replace Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as the global stars of football provided he gets enough game time to showcase his talent.

The Colombia international joined theBundesliga champions this month on an initial two-year loan deal, with the option to make the move permanent in 2019.James joined Real Madrid for a reported €70million from Monaco after lighting up World Cup 2014, but he struggled to convince Carlo Ancelotti, Rafael Benitez, and Zinedine Zidane that he was worthy of a regular place in the starting line-up. However, having rejoined Ancelotti atthe Allianz Arena, the 26-year-old is now determined to establish himself as one of the game's greats and eventake over from Messi and Ronaldo, who have dominated European football for much of the last decade.Asked if he could succeed the Barcelona and Madrid stars, James said:"Why not?They are big players.

I'll be ready for what happens in the future and improve in world football."James made only 13 starts in La Ligalast season, but he accepts that he isnot guaranteed a place in the Bayern line-up given the talent at Ancelotti's disposal."We have big players at Bayern and the competition for the team is very intense,"he said."I have to win my place through training hard every day. I want more minutes and more success [than lastseason].

"It's a unique club, with the obligation of winning trophies and I hope it continues next season."