The Brazilian has been accused of going to ground too
easily but says he is only protecting himself from being kicked.
Barcelona forward Neymar has rejected accusations that he
is a diver after insisting that he is merely trying to avoid injury.
The Brazil international, 21, has been accused of going
down too easily and making the most of tackles from opponents, with Celtic
manager Neil Lennon particularly scathing in his assessment of the forward
following Celtic's clash with Barca at Celtic Park.
"I do not do theatre. When an opponent gives me a
hard kick I just try to protect myself and make sure I do not get badly hit or
collide with them," Neymar told Sport.
"In any case, I do not get saddened or annoyed by
what is said about me."
Neymar completed a move to Camp Nou from Santos in the
summer and says he does not feel any pressure playing with the best players in
the world.
"I always dreamed of playing for a European club
with really great players. I have now fulfilled my dream," he continued.
"How am I going to have pressure if I play with the
likes of [Lionel] Messi, Xavi and [Andres] Iniesta? The pressure disappears
with them because I am fulfilling my life's dream.
"Everything that is happening to me here is
stunning. From the moment I decided to sign for Barca knew I had made the right
decision. Coming to Barcelona has seen me achieve a dream."
Culled from Goal
