Enrique Iglesias says he's the "opposite of a playboy".

The 'Hero' singer insists he isn't like his legendary lothario father Julio Iglesias - who claims he has slept with over 3,000 women - and found it hard to meet girls before he became a singer.

He told Britain's Daily Mail newspaper: "It was crazy what a hit could do. But I do hide behind my clothes a bit. I am the opposite of a playboy.

"I couldn't even pick up girls until I had a hit song. When that happened, in a club in Argentina, I ran my five best friends and said, 'Get down here, we are all going to get laid.' "

The 33-year-old Spanish singer - who is in a relationship with tennis player Anna Kournikova - also said his decision to pursue a music career at 19 sparked trouble with his father, who is also a successful singer.

He added: "When I signed a contract with a Mexican company, I was really afraid. My parents found out and my dad and I fought. It was a huge row.

"I wanted to go where I knew no one. I went to Toronto so I could concentrate on my music. It was a big fight to become my own person."

Enrique is currently touring the UK until May 15. He will then perform in mainland Europe.