Gerard Piqué shared his thoughts about the media in digital age in an interview with Panenka magazine. The Barcelona center-back has constantly been talked about in the press for the friction between him and Real Madrid's Sergio Ramos, Cristiano Ronaldo and recently the Spanish public which happened when politics crossed over to football and fans questioned his allegiance to Spain.
He gives his opinion on the downsides of the modern press of today, which emphasizes immediacy before accuracy. The Real Madrid center-back says, "Now, immediacy comes before thorough research and cross-checking information. There is always someone who wants to be the first to break a news story before checking its validity".
This also explains the shift to social media instead for Gerard Piqué, given the relationship some players have with the press. "[Clubs and players] have felt attacked [by those] not dedicated to producing proper sports journalism. All we, the players need, is to feel a little loved. And that's is why I can sympathize when some players don't want to speak to the press." He adds that he understands why Barcelona is defensive against the press, saying "I understand why Barça protect themselves and the players, you have to cut off the bad, sensationalist press at the root".
The Real Madrid defender does concur that good journalism still exists, however the way he sees it, the shift of balance has already changed. "I know there are journalists who do the right things and in good faith, [that's why] many people still consume the traditional media," Gerard Piqué adds.
But he believes that players and fans are more empowered with social media nowadays. Gerard Piqué goes on to say that "Players are gaining more and more power and use the press less than they did before. Some of us have more followers on social media than the most-read sports newspapers in Spain". As a matter of fact, he adds that even if he never gives another interview again, nothing will change thanks to social media such as Facebook Live or Periscope.
