Adelaide defender Matthew Jaensch has abandoned his injury comeback and retired from the AFL, aged only 26.

Jaensch’s announcement came on Friday, just a month before the start of the regular season.

He needed a knee reconstruction after round seven last season.

“Playing in the AFL takes a great deal of focus and commitment and, right now, I’ve lost my passion to play the game I grew up loving,” he said in a club statement.

“I look forward to pursuing a new chapter of my life.”

Jaensch played 74 games and finished seventh in the club’s 2014 best-and-fairest voting.

“Matthew has had to contend with a number of difficult events in recent times, including his recovery from a serious injury,” said Crows football manager David Noble.

“He is a talented footballer and we wish him the very best and will provide him with ongoing support as he transitions into the next phase of his life.”

Last August, Jaensch lost his licence for six months and had his car impounded when he was caught drink-driving.