Barcelona center-back Gerard Pique believes traditional media is becoming outdated thanks to the emergence of social media.
Top players throughout the world consistently keep their fans up to date with their latest activities, whether it be via Twitter, Instagram or Facebook, and Pique has claimed the press have little influence over social media when it comes to player power.
"[Fans and players] are closer than ever, thanks to new technology [such as Facebook live or Periscope] I could never do another interview again, and nothing would happen," Pique told Panenka Magazine as quoted byMarca.
"[Social networks are] unstoppable and fully incorporated [into players' lives]. They're the new way to communicate to footballers and celebrities in general."
Pique, 29, has frequently found the back pages of newspapers in Spain thanks to his outspoken views and tussles with rivals Sergio Ramos and Cristiano Ronaldo, and he believes the majority of the media are inclined to report news fastrather than tell the whole truth.
"[Clubs and players] have felt attacked [by those] not dedicated to producing proper sports journalism," Pique continued.
"[They prioritise] immediacy ahead of truth. [It's] an extreme situation.
"I know there are journalists who do the right things and in good faith, [that's why] many people still consume the traditional media."
Players often take part in question and answer sessions on social media, giving them more power in what questions they want to answer, while they also have more influence than most widely read sports media outlets.
"Players now increasingly have more power and use the press less often," Pique added.
"Some even have more followers [on social media] than the most widely-read sports newspapers."