Ivan Rakitic says he cannot replace Xavi at Barcelona

To replace Xavi is impossible.

BARCELONA midfielder Ivan Rakitic insists he cannot replicate what club icon Xavi Hernandez brought to the Camp Nou.

Xavi enjoyed a successful 24-year spell with the Blaugrana, capping off a fine career by winning the treble with the Spanish side last season before moving to Qatar.

Croatian international Rakitic, seen by many to have been brought in as Xavi’s replacement, says he cannot reproduce what Xavi did at Barca, and insists he comes with his own style and qualities.

“To replace Xavi is impossible,” the 27-year-old told the Daily Telegraph.
“I want to give what I can give. I want to be Ivan Rakitic. Not Xavi or Iniesta. They have other qualities. I want to give what I can.

“We are speaking about Xavi and he is the symbol of the club. He has been for 20 years. Not only for what he did on the pitch, where he was unbelievable, but for the dressing room, how he spoke and what he means to the club.

“He was our leader. He was the man. And now he is not here. So, of course, it has changed.

“But it was maybe the best moment because he left with every title, all the titles. Maybe it was the perfect moment.”

Barca are sweating over the fitness of talisman Lionel Messi ahead of Saturday’s El Clasico against rivals Real Madrid, and like many of his other teammates, Rakitic was quick to sing the Argentine’s praises.

“To speak about Messi is to speak about football,” he said.

“He’s everything. Of course we missed Leo because there is only one like him. He’s our best player, the best in the world.

“We know he’s our most important player but this team and the teamwork, this machine, is really important.”

Kick-off at the Bernabeu is at 19:15 South African time. Kickoff.com