Barcelona defender Gerard Pique claims he got the idea to use the Twitter's live-streaming video app Periscope after watching a television interview of former Real Madrid goalkeeper and Spain teammate Iker Casillas.
"I was watching it and I want to take part and ask Iker a question," Pique told Marca about the Feb. 24 interview on Spanish TV with Casillas. "Then I asked myself if there was a way in which people could ask me questions after a game and I looked on the internet and found Periscope."
Since that day, Pique has been using the controversial app after Barcelona games, posting videos while on a team bus and on airplanes. And just as Periscope has come under fire for breaking privacy laws, the player himself has also been criticised for his live-stream videos.
Last month, Pique began to use Periscope to broadcast live after games. UEFA said it will not allow players to release live images from stadiums during Euro 2016 and La Liga president Javier Tebas said on Monday that he is considering banning the use of social media during and immediately after matches.
However, Barcelona coach Luis Enrique described Pique's active use of the tool as "marvelous," as it has brought the fans closer to the team. Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque stated earlier this month that he would not prohibit the use of Periscope during the European Championship this summer.
"I believe Gerard is a person who is smart, responsible and I understand that the use of this tool will be positive," Del Bosque said as reported in Diario Sport newspaper.
"I understand it's a form of transmitting to people your personal opinion in a direct way, without using intermediaries.
Pique has 335,244 followers on Periscope and a whopping 12.2 million followers on Twitter.
The owner of a computer game company Kerad Games, Pique believes that Periscope will be a big hit with players.
"In less than a year, all my teammates will be using it just like they are using other social media now," the 29-year-old said.
Pique is currently with the Spain squad.
Spain were playing Italy in Thursday's friendly in Udine before facing Romania three days later.