Neymar reveals he has modelled much of his career around David Beckham
Brazilian forward Neymar has revealed he has modelled much of his career around Manchester United legend David Beckham.
The Paris Saint-Germain forward is regarded as one of the leading players in world football, but like Beckham, often makes headlines for his luxurious lifestyle off the pitch.
However, it was growing up as a boy in Sao Paulo where Neymar first became aware of the former England international and subsequently became to study his game because of his footballing abilities.
"I'm a big fan," the PSG forward told Otro.
"I remember when I was younger I always followed all types of players, all the big players.
"I followed David because of the way he kicked the ball, because of the amazing passes he gave, because of his goals, because of his determination on the pitch. So, I always followed him.
"For the person he is, the football he played, I think everything came from David."
Although the 28-year-old admits Beckham has influenced his approach to playing the game, he also believes the United legend is to thank for his own love for fashion.
Neymar added: "I copied quite a few of his haircuts. Many, we model ourselves after him. I think he is one of the most stylish people in the world, so we need to copy him. We are not as handsome as him, but we try to copy him!
"I think we needed to have a pioneer, someone who was brave enough to do this. I think the courage David has is symbol of this. I am also criticised for getting a different haircut, or for wearing a different outfit. I think the criticism never ends.
"But players like us, who are seen as a reference, like it or not, we are treated differently for wearing a more modern outfit. I don't think there's anything wrong with it if it makes us feel good.
"So I thank David for being the pioneer, for opening the doors to the fashion world."
The Paris Saint-Germain forward is regarded as one of the leading players in world football, but like Beckham, often makes headlines for his luxurious lifestyle off the pitch.
However, it was growing up as a boy in Sao Paulo where Neymar first became aware of the former England international and subsequently became to study his game because of his footballing abilities.
"I'm a big fan," the PSG forward told Otro.
"I remember when I was younger I always followed all types of players, all the big players.
"I followed David because of the way he kicked the ball, because of the amazing passes he gave, because of his goals, because of his determination on the pitch. So, I always followed him.
"For the person he is, the football he played, I think everything came from David."
Although the 28-year-old admits Beckham has influenced his approach to playing the game, he also believes the United legend is to thank for his own love for fashion.
Neymar added: "I copied quite a few of his haircuts. Many, we model ourselves after him. I think he is one of the most stylish people in the world, so we need to copy him. We are not as handsome as him, but we try to copy him!
"I think we needed to have a pioneer, someone who was brave enough to do this. I think the courage David has is symbol of this. I am also criticised for getting a different haircut, or for wearing a different outfit. I think the criticism never ends.
"But players like us, who are seen as a reference, like it or not, we are treated differently for wearing a more modern outfit. I don't think there's anything wrong with it if it makes us feel good.
"So I thank David for being the pioneer, for opening the doors to the fashion world."
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