The 26-year-old midfielder joined Barca from Sevilla earlier this summer, with some suggesting that the Croatia international could be the perfect successor to the iconic midfielder.
Despite being linked with a move away from Camp Nou this summer, Xavi has been named captain of the Blaugrana this term after 16 seasons at the club, in which time the 34-year-old has won seven Liga titles and three Champions League crowns.
Rakitic has admitted that, while such comparisons to Xavi are flattering, he is focused on cementing his own name as a fan favourite at the club he "always" wanted to join.
"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 Primera [Liga]. 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 also revealed Lionel Messi has helped him to adjust to life in Catalunya and is confident fellow new signing Luis Suarez will hit the ground running when he returns to action in late October.
"Messi is no different from the others. He is very helpful. He offered me his assistance in finding an apartment or house in Barcelona," Rakitic revealed.
"It's not necessary to say about the qualities of Luis Suarez. It is important that he is with us at every practice."
Barcelona kick off their new league campaign at home to Elche on Sunday.
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