London, Aug 4 (IANS): Singer Ricky Martin says he doesn't mind being criticised by friends because their comments keep him grounded.

"My family and friends have always kept me grounded. I've been surrounded by good friends - people I've known since I was a kid - who are as raw and honest as they come,"contactmusic.com quoted the 39-year-old as saying.

"They know how to say, 'You suck. That was horrible'. When you're seduced by fame and applause, and people telling you you're good, it's easy to get a big head," he added.

Martin says he got more "freedom" after leaving the boy band Menudo in 1989.

"Menudo was all about discipline. I was part of a band and was supposed to say whatever they told me to say, wear the clothes they told me to wear and dance the choreography they told me to dance.

"I quit in 1989 because I wanted to be my own man. I was sick of being told what to do, so I moved to New York. Now it's about entertaining - it's freedom. It's about being who I am," he added.