They were the words that the world was waiting to hear. Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian of all time, has confirmed for the first time that he wants to compete at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

Speaking on Wednesday (15 April) ahead of a competition in Mesa, Arizona, USA, Phelps said: “Hopefully, I’ll look forward to rejoining my teammates next summer. I guess leading into Rio.”

Asked by a journalist if that meant he would try to qualify for the US swimming team that competes at the Rio 2016 Games, Phelps said: “You guys heard it here first, like it’s a big surprise.”

Phelps, now 29, retired after the London 2012 Games, having taken his medal total to 22, including 18 golds, from three editions of the Games. He then announced that he would return to competition last year, although until now he has avoided saying whether a fifth Olympic Games (he competed at Sydney 2000 but did not win a medal) was his target.

His comeback suffered a set-back last September when he was arrested for drink-driving. Phelps entered treatment and was banned from competition for six months by USA Swimming. He was also ruled out of the 2015 world championships, which will take place in Kazan, Russia, in July and August.

Phelps, who won a record eight gold medals at the Beijing 2018 Olympic Games, said: “Being part of the national team is something I really enjoy, especially travelling overseas, where I can help some of the rookies. It’s part of the reason I came back.

“I am looking forward to next year and I don’t think it’s too hard to realise why I came back.”

Take off: Phelps won four golds, including the 200m individual medley, at London 2012 (Photo: Getty Images/Adam Pretty)

If Phelps qualifies for Rio 2016 he could be involved in one of the biggest rivalries of the Games, coming up against South African Chad le Clos, who sensationally beat his idol Phelps in the 200m butterfly at London 2012. Le Clos, 23, told rio2016.com last year that it would be good for the sport if Phelps competes at Rio 2016.