Neymar says he will 'never stop' partying despite criticism

Paris Saint-Germain forward Neymar has developed a reputation as someone who likes to play as hard as he works, and, as a result, some critics have questioned the Brazilian's maturity and dedication to his soccer career. But Neymar dismissed those critics outright, saying that he has no intention of cutting partying out of his life.

"So, who doesn't like to party? Everyone likes to have fun," Neymar said. "I know when I can go, I know when I can do it, when I can't. Contrary to what people think, that I'm immature, that I don't know what I do."

While it's true that there is nothing wrong with some fun, there have been concerns that Neymar's commitment to the party lifestyle might be distracting him from his soccer career. But Neymar, who remains one of the top soccer players on earth, says that having a release from the pressure of the pitch has actually helped him.

"If you stay 100% with your head focused on just playing football, in my opinion, you end up exploding," Neymar explained. "It is my time to relax, to be calm... I will never stop doing it."

But some of the criticism of Neymar has more to do with safety and less to do with his fun-loving lifestyle, as the 28-year-old has not stopped throwing massive parties despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, including over 150 people being invited to a week-long New Year's Eve party at his mansion in Rio de Janeiro. And he is reportedly hoping to get permission from PSG to attend his sister Rafaella's birthday in March.