Port ruckman Ivan Soldo hits back at Kane Cornes criticism

Ivan Soldo has hit back at Kane Cornes in a fiery Instagram post after the shock jock labelled him one of the most disappointing recruits in Port Adelaide’s hsitory.

Port Adelaide ruckman Ivan Soldo has hit back at Kane Cornes after the footy-media shock jock criticised his decision to miss the club’s best and fairest.

Soldo failed a medical with St Kilda having expressed a desire to leave Port and return to Victoria with his glamorous partner Chelsea Becirevic, who had reportedly said the “novelty” of living in Adelaide had worn off.

Taking to Instagram, Soldo said he only missed the event because he was best man at a wedding and had the full support of the club, attacking criticism from Cornes.

He also called for social media attacks on his girlfriend to stop.

Port Adelaide ruckman Ivan Soldo and his partner, Chelsea Becirevic. Picture: Supplied

“I’m honestly fed up with this ridiculous narrative that seems to not stop circulating,” he said.

“Let’s just clear some things up. The only reason I didn’t attend the PAFC best and fairest was because it was on the same night as my best friend’s wedding that I was the best man for. The club fully supported me to attend.

“If that reflects badly on my character, then Kane our values clearly don’t align.

“In regards to this trade, this happens every year and it’s just a part of the job.

“I’m still contracted with Port and have no intention of leaving.

“The bullying and hate towards my partner also needs to stop. This backwards narrative is getting old.”

Ivan Soldo’s Instagram post.

Speaking on Footy Furnace on Channel 9, Cornes said the Saints had dodged a bullet and described Soldo as one of the more disappointing recruits Port have ever had.

“Not only are they worried about a knee they’d have to be worried about his character …

I’m not certain (Port) are happy to have him back, certainly Ivan doesn’t want to go back.

“He’s got to really look at the way he’s carried himself at Port Adelaide and the character that he is.

“Certainly there are questions about whether he fits into a team environment at a football club.

“He didn’t go to the best and fairest, he came to be the number one ruckman but was superseded by Jordan Sweet.

“So the minute it got a little bit too hard he wanted out.”

Cornes said Soldo was one of the most disappointing recruits Port had ever had.

Soldo’s response came as Port Adelaide football boss Chris Davies told AFL Trade Radio that Soldo had permission to be in the wedding party and was likely to stay at the club, where he is contracted for the next two seasons.

“I think Ivan hasn’t settled into Adelaide the way he would’ve liked and maybe the way we would’ve liked, and we have a part to play in that,” Davies said.

“We’ve got to try to help him settle into the city a little bit more and if he can’t do that we’ll probably be in this situation again next year.

“Unless something happens today, he comes back to our club and fights for a ruck spot.

“I expect he will stay with us now.”

Originally published as Port ruckman Ivan Soldo hits back at Kane Cornes criticism