GOLD Coast utility Matt Rosa has retired after 207 AFL games.

Rosa, 31, made his debut for West Coast in 2005 and after 168 games for the Eagles has played the last three years with the Suns.

Rosa penned an open letter to fans on the club's website writing about his decision, and took the opportunity to thank those who had influenced him during his football career.

At a press conference later that day, he said injuries finally took their toll.

"Especially the last 12 months, my body's been telling me it can't get close to 100 per cent often enough for AFL footy," Rosa said.

"It's always tough when you make the call but I'm comfortable with it and excited about the future."

Rosa has injured his hamstring four times since the start of pre-season and finally succumbed for good with an ankle injury suffered in a recent NEAFL match.

Despite missing out on a premiership in his time at West Coast – he was an emergency in 2006 when the Eagles won and played in the 2015 loss to Hawthorn – the hard-running wingman said he had no regrets.

"I've loved my time at both clubs, they've been fantastic to both me and my family," he said.

Rosa said despite three difficult years with the Suns, he was convinced the "tight young group" was headed in the right direction and had seen a vast improvement in their training and attention to detail over that time.

General manager of football operations Jon Haines thanked Rosa and praised his leadership since coming to the Suns.

"He’s been a great player throughout his career, a professional when it comes to looking after his body, which led to him being able to play over 200 games," Haines said.