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Neymar: Look at what I do on pitch

Xinhua, July 27, 2016 Adjust font size:

Brazil forward Neymar has rejected claims that his party-boy image and hectic lifestyle could take his focus off next month's Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

Neymar has been criticized by sections of Brazil's media for regularly posting images of himself partying and posing with other celebrities to his millions of social media followers.

His recent performances for Brazil have also been questioned, having received five red cards for ill-discipline in the past 18 months.

"I think you have to start by looking at what I do on the pitch," the 24-year-old Barcelona star told a news conference on Tuesday. "The moment I am off the field it's my personal time.

"I like to go out and have fun with my friends. I have family too so why can't I go out to clubs? I can and I will. I am well aware what my duties are the next day. I am going to keep going out and I don't see anything wrong with that."

Neymar is one of three players over the age of 23 allowed in each squad by the International Olympic Committee.

Barcelona only agreed to release him for the tournament on the proviso that he missed the centenary edition of the Copa America in June.

The Olympic football tournament is the sport's only major international competition that Brazil has yet to win.

Despite the pressure to succeed in front of Brazil's own fans, Neymar vowed not to let any negative thoughts enter his mind.

"I am not worried about losing," he said. "Being afraid of losing robs you of the desire to win. If we lose, we lose with our heads high and we carry on but if it is up to me we're going to do everything possible to win.

"I don't like to lose, losing never crosses my mind, I want to bring that gold medal for Brazil that has been so difficult."

Brazil will fine-tune their preparations for the tournament with a friendly against Japan in Goiania on July 30.

The hosts will debut at the Rio 2016 Games against South Africa in Brasilia on Aug. 4. Endit