Neymar has fired back at critics who focus on his life outside of football, saying he "would not be at the top level" with Paris Saint-Germain and Brazil were he not dedicated to his work.
The striker has often commanded as many headlines for his actions off the pitch as he has on it.
However the 29-year-old has sought to deflect such associations, claiming his prowess shows he is serious about the sport, admitting that some reports leave him "irritated."
"I would not be at the top level if I were not serious," Neymar told YouTube channel Fui Clear. "I go out when I can, when I have time, when I have days off. There is no problem.
"They should judge me on the pitch. My life, I do what I want - I cannot be judged, I'm free. I wouldn't be at my level if I was not careful with my phsio. It leaves me a little irritated.
