“Why won’t Ronaldo like me?”

A new social media platform allows players to chat in private and locate experts to boost their game

When you are a multi-millionaire football star boasting a multi-million social media following, sometimes you just want to kick back and chat with your mates away from the public’s prying eyes.

Well, now the game’s high-profile players can do exactly that. The Canadian firm Viktre has launched a social media platform which allows active and retired athletes to like dog videos, share memes or simply chew the fat until their heart’s content.

Of course, the software has got a serious purpose (honest). The idea is that footballers will network with other players, publish their own customised features and also become acquainted with respected personnel in the sport, for example physios and strength and conditioning coaches, who they can contact in their hour of need.

Viktre founder Al Steele said: “Whether it’s training photographs from an active player, business advice from an ex-footballer, social commentary from a former Olympic medalist or a video posted by an NBA All-star, the aim of Viktre is for these athletes to connect and tell stories in their words.”

More than 3,000 of them have since signed up including two World Cup winners in Kaka and David Villa, currently at MLS duo Orlando City and New York City respectively. Fans can get involved too by registering at viktre.com and reading content from players which isn’t available anywhere else.