Ivan Rakitic has once again reiterated that he is not Xavi’s successor at Barcelona.
The Croatia international joined the Blaugrana from Sevilla this summer, and was expected to replace the veteran midfielder at Camp Nou.
But with the World Cup winner staying for another season, Rakitic has insisted that he wants to learn, not fill in, for the Masia graduate.
“It's nice that people are saying that I am the successor of Xavi but I'm Rakitic. Replacements for such a great player like Xavi don't exist,” he told Sportske Novosti.
“I can't wait to start the League. We worked a lot [in per-season] and I hope that this will show on the field. Barcelona are powerful again.
“I always wanted to join Barcelona. It was my desire.”
Rakitic then revealed that Lionel Messi has helped him adjust to life in Catalunya.
“Messi is no different from the others. He is very helpful. He offered me his assistance in finding an apartment or house in Barcelona.”
