American swimmer Michael Phelps announced that he will retire after the 2016 Olympics, bringing down the curtains, again, on one of the most decorated sporting careers of modern times.

Phelps had decided to call time on his career after the Summer Games in London 2012 too, but reversed the decision ahead of the 2016 games. As his four golds and one silver – bringing his career Olympics tally to 27 (currently one more than India's) – show, it wasn't a misplaced decision. He could win one more medal, in the 4x400 m medley.

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But the 22-time gold medallist has said he will not go back on his decision this time, stating that he has had enough. He declared, "No. I am not going four more years. And I'm standing by that."

In Rio, the 30-year-old has already won four gold medals and a silver. As things stand, the 4 x 400 m medley on Saturday will be his last competitive swim. The last few years have been a topsy-turvy ride for Phelps, who was battling issues in his personal life. Spending time with family is one of his key reasons for retiring.

Phelps was quoted as saying, "I'm ready to retire. I'm happy about it. I'm in a better state of mind this time than I was four years ago. And yeah. I'm ready to spend some time with (son) Boomer and (fiancee) Nicole. I've been able to do everything I've ever put my mind to in this sport. And 24 years in the sport. I'm happy with how things finished."

So are his fans.