Neymar Transfer to Barcelona News: Is Diving Ruining Brazilian's Reputation?

Is Neymar a diver?

Many have criticized the Brazilian phenom for his tendency to fall to the ground upon receiving the impact of hard tackles. However, Neymar recently told the media that he did not understand the criticism.

Neymar was recently blasted by Real Valladolid coach Juan Ignacio Martinez for flopping to the ground and making appeals for two penalties during Barcelona's match with Valladolid this weekend. Neither was called, but that did not stop Martinez from stating the Neymar had a major flaw.

According to ESPN, when this was brought to the Brazilian's attention he replied: "I do not know what [Martinez] means by that, but I hope it is something good. If it is I will listen closely to what he says."

Neymar was also blasted by Chelsea Coach Jose Mourinho and Celtic Manager Neil Lennon for his reaction to a kick by Scott Brown in the two sides' Champions League bout. The kick led to a red card and gave Barcelona the space it needed to score the eventual game-winner.

"In some countries if you don't do it you become like the naive one because others do," said Mourinho, according to ESPN. "But you could see for example in the Champions League this week, what happened in Glasgow and Amsterdam. And for me that is fairly sad."

Lennon was also furious about the behavior.

"The sending-off is uncalled for and unnecessary. It's very soft. I have looked at it; if there was any contact it was minimal," he said in a report by ESPN. "I don't think Neymar does himself any favours by the way he behaves at times.

"So I don't think I need to apologize to Neymar and I don't think I need to justify the defence of my captain."