‘Backwards narrative’: Port Adelaide ruckman Ivan Soldo hits out over trade rumours, partner attacks

After missing out on a move he hoped for amid online attacks against him and his partner, Ivan Soldo has returned fire.

Wantaway Port Adelaide ruckman Ivan Soldo has lashed out at the “ridiculous narrative” surrounding his desire to get back to Melbourne during the trade period and absence from the club best and fairest as it emerged he’s set to stay with the Power.

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 declared he only missed the club best and fairest because he was best man at a wedding and had the full support of the club, attacking criticism from Port great Kane Cornes.

He also called for social media attacks on Becirevic to stop.

“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.

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

“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.”

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.”