The 27-year-old from Baltimore claimed four gold medals and two silvers at London 2012 to surpass Russian gymnast Larisa Latynina as the greatest Olympian ever before retiring from the sport.

Calls have already begun for Phelps to come out of retirement for Rio 2016 but on his first visit to the Brazilian city, the American said that while he will not be swimming at the next Olympics, he is looking to be a spectator.

"I am very eager to live the Games experience in Rio," he said.

"This visit was short, but I hope it will be the first of many until 2016, where I will come to Brazil to watch the competitions."

Phelps joked that the only sport he would compete in at Rio 2016 is golf, with the discipline set to appear in the Olympics for the first time in over 100 years at the Games in Brazil.

Michael Phelps is a keen golfer and holed a huge 153-foot putt at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in Scotland earlier this month

It comes after Phelps holed a monumental 153-foot putt at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in Scotland earlier this month.

"I'll only make it to the Games if I somehow become an amazing golfer," he said.

"But that's very unlikely to happen over the next three years.

"I have already told my mum I will not be competing, so do not get her hopes up."

Phelps' visit to Rio came as part of a promotional trip with Visa, for whom he is an ambassador.

During the stay, he visited the Complexo do Alemão sports centre and gave a swimming lesson to young people in the community.

He also met with Rio 2016 President Carlos Nuzman, who said Phelps would be a welcome guest at the Games.

Rio 2016 President Carlos Nuzman (L) said Michael Phelps (R) would be a welcome guest at the Games in Brazil

"Congratulations for all that you have done, not only for swimming, but for the sport and the Olympic Movement," said Nuzman.

"I hope you may be back in Rio and enjoy our Games."

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