GOLD Coast utility Andrew Boston has retired after losing the passion to play at the highest level.

The 21-year-old informed the Suns of his intention to leave late last week, and executed a formal release from his 2016 contract on Monday.

Boston, a Gold Coast product, signed a one-year extension in July, but said he had lost the motivation for an AFL career and instead would play local football.

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"I have been weighing this up for a while and I've thought about it a lot over the break," Boston said.

"Although it’s a really hard decision, I know it's the right decision for me.

"AFL football is a lifestyle, not a job. At the elite level you've got to live football 24/7.

"If you can’t live your entire life with the necessary commitment and discipline you won’t and can't be elite.

"At the moment I simply don't have the passion required to play at the elite level, and don’t want to take a spot on the Suns list that can be given to somebody else."

Boston had problems early in the season and was suspended by the club for not meeting professional standards.

Young South Australian Timmy Sumner retired from the Suns early in the 2015 season, citing personal reasons.

Boston played 16 AFL games after making his debut in 2013.