CARLTON defender Alex Silvagni has retired from football.

The 30-year-old informed his Blues teammates of his decision to retire on Tuesday morning.

Elevated into the club's leadership group prior to this season, Silvagni didn't manage a game in 2018 due to a series of setbacks to his troublesome Achilles.

MATCH PREVIEW Blues v Crows

He played just seven games over the course of two seasons for Carlton, adding to his 53 games across seven years with Fremantle.

"Clearly you want to have the ability to play on forever, but deep down I knew my body was not up to returning to the rigours of senior football, so in the end the decision came relatively easily," Silvagni told Carlton's website.

"I've loved my short time at Carlton and I'm incredibly grateful to the entire football club for the belief they've shown me since I arrived at Ikon Park.

"I'd also like to take this time to thank the medical and welfare teams at Carlton, who have been very supportive of my pursuit to get back onto the track despite a number of injuries along the way in recent years.

"Importantly, I'd like to acknowledge my teammates at both Fremantle and Carlton. You come to work every day because of them. To my coaches along the way, thank you for what you have done.

"I believe in the direction the Blues are heading and will be watching on fondly over the next few years knowing sustained success won't be far off. It's been incredibly exciting to be a part of."