SWIMMING legend Michael Phelps has refused to rule out a return to the pool at the 2016 Olympics.

The 22-time Olympic medallist, 18 of which were gold, announced his retirement from the sport following his success at the London games last summer.

But speaking at the World Swimming Championships in Barcelona, where he was attending as a spectator, the 28-year-old was vague about his future plans.

Phelps, who will be 31 by the time of the next Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, said: “I don’t know what’s going to happen in the future.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen tomorrow.

“I don’t know. We’re in 2013.”

He jokingly added that his only chance of competing at the games may be by playing golf, a sport he has previously declared his love for.

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