Barcelona forward Neymar has admitted he does spend a lot of time on his appearance but insists he is not like David Beckham.
The 21-year-old, who completed a €57 million switch from Santos to Camp Nou this summer, has has been criticised in the past for his lifestyle off the pitch.
Brazil legend Pelé even said the striker was more concerned about appearing in the media, fashion and his hair than playing for Santos earlier this year.
But Neymar has stressed that he is not vain or a metrosexual, unlike former England international Beckham, who was renowned for his extravagant looks throughout his playing career with Manchester United, Real Madrid, LA Galaxy and Paris Saint-Germain, amid others.
“Yes, it is true that I like to go out and buy new clothes, nice perfumes and hair products. I also shave my legs for example,” Neymar told Surface, as reported on Goal.com.
“I do not see myself as a metrosexual, though. That was more something for Beckham, who was more stylish.
“I might be a bit pretentious, but I don’t see that as a problem.”
The Brazil international also took the time to discuss accusations that he has a tendency to go to the ground to easily on the pitch and insisted that he’s only trying to protect himself.
“I occasionally jump and dive, but only to protect myself. I want to make sure that defenders cannot injure me.”
