Injured Port Adelaide ruck Ivan Soldo has announced his AFL retirement, effective immediately.

The Power will continue to support the 30-year-old’s rehabilitation from knee surgery after he ruptured his ACL in February.

Soldo played 66 games in 12 years across stints at Richmond and Port Adelaide, but managed only nine since crossing the South Australian border at the end of 2023.

He shared the ruck duties with Toby Nankervis in the Tigers’ 2019 premiership victory over the GWS Giants, which was just his 22nd AFL game.

Originally signed by Richmond as a Category B rookie mid-way through 2014, Soldo was recruited from the Victorian state basketball system.

He was uniquely still eligible to play for the Northern Knights in the under-18s Talent League that year, and played several games before joining the Tigers full-time in 2015.

Soldo has already quietly relocated back to Melbourne, where the Power will continue to support his recovery from injury.

“I just want to say thank you to everyone at the club – players, coaches, staff, and our supporters,” Soldo said.

“It’s been a privilege to be part of this club and to have had the opportunity to play at this level.

“I also want to acknowledge my time at Richmond. I spent almost 10 years there, and it played a huge role in shaping my career and who I am. I’ve got a lot of respect for the people, the success we shared, and everything that came with that period.

“It’s not how I would have hoped things would play out, and there have been challenges along the way, but I’m proud of what I was able to give and the experiences I’ve had.

“To my teammates at both clubs – I appreciated being part of the group and the environment. And to the fans and families who support week in and week out, that doesn’t go unnoticed.

“It’s something I never took for granted, and I understand how much it means to the people who support us.

“I’ll look back on this time with pride and respect for everyone involved.”

Port Adelaide footy boss Ben Rutten congratulated Soldo on his AFL career.

“On behalf of the entire club, we wish Ivan all the best for his next phase of life and thank him for his service to Port Adelaide,” Rutten said.

“Despite some challenges with his body over the past few seasons, Ivan has shown commitment and care for the club and his teammates.

“He can always be proud to have been a premiership ruckman for Richmond – an achievement that will always be part of his story.

“Congratulations to Ivan on a great career.”