Michael Phelps Says 2016 Rio Olympics Will Be His Last: "I Am Not Coming Back"

Swimmer won the silver medal during Friday's 100m butterfly event

Michael Phelps is stepping aside for the next generation of all-star swimmers.

The athlete will walk away from swimming as the most decorated Olympian of all time after the 2016 Rio Games, which he said on Friday would be his last. 

"I will just clarify that Ryan doesn't know what he is talking about," Phelps said, per USA Today. Michael was referring to his teammate and close friend Ryan Lochte, who told Matt Lauer of a return to the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, "You know what, I can definitely say that, because I guarantee he will be there. I think so. I really think so, so Michael I'll see you in Tokyo."

Ryan explained, "I am not coming back in four years."

Instead Michael is focusing on his final team event of his Olympic career, the 4x100m relay on Saturday. He competed in his last individual event on Friday, where he earned a silver medal in the 100m butterfly.

"I have two laps left in my career so I am happy and I'm excited and looking forward to tomorrow," the 31-year-old said. "I saw [what Lochte said] and I was like, 'Thanks Ryan, throw me back out there for another four years.' If [Lochte] wants to come back it will be great."

During his time in Rio, Phelps has already earned a four gold medals, taking his total medal count to a whopping 27. 

Not too shabby at all.