Justin Timberlake's awkward teens

Jun 23, 2007, 7:00 GMT

06/11/2007 - Justin Timberlake - Shrek the Third Movie Premiere - London - Arrivals - Odeon Leicester Square - London, England © Solarpix / Photorazzi

Justin Timberlake was unlucky in love as a teenager.

Despite being an international heartthrob, the 'SexyBack' star insists he never used to attract girls and even got picked on at school.

Justin told Bliss magazine: "I wasn't successful when it came to girls. I had my crush-and-burns along the way, but everyone does. In school, every kid is awkward in some way. But it's funny because the things you get picked on for when you're at school become the things you actually cherish in later life. "That's what makes you unique."

Justin also revealed he was branded "weird" for wanting to be a singer.

He said: "People thought I was weird because I could sing. I remember when I asked my mum for singing lessons. I was eight. I was fine with it, but I was picked on about my hair, skin and voice."

Justin, 26, dated Britney Spears as a teenager and split from Cameron Diaz late last year, following a three-year relationship.

He has recently been romantically linked with 22-year-old Scarlett Johansson and Jessica Biel, 25.

(C) BANG Media International