FORMER Carlton vice-captain Andrew Carrazzo will retire after playing in the Blues' final game of 2015 against Hawthorn on Saturday.

Carlton announced on Tuesday that Carrazzo had told his teammates of his impending retirement that morning.

Carrazzo, 31, will retire after 194 games for the Blues after being given a second AFL chance in the 2003 rookie draft – he had previously spent two years on Geelong's rookie list.

The run-with midfielder won Carlton's 2007 best and fairest award, was a member of the club's leadership group from 2008-14 and vice-captain from 2013-14.

Carlton football boss Andrew McKay said Carrazzo had been "a heart and soul" player for the club.

"Andrew is one of those players you know would bleed blue. He put his heart and soul into everything he did at this football club and we have been privileged to have him as part of our team," McKay said.

"He has always shown tremendous leadership both on and off the field, especially as a mentor to our younger players.  

"On behalf of everyone at Carlton I would like to thank Andrew for his contribution and wish him and his family every success in the future."

Carrazzo revealed earlier this year that he was considering exploring a post-football career in umpiring.