NEW ORLEANS, La. (Reuters) - A day after completing the longest swim in history, Martin Strel says he needs a rest, a massage and a date.

After 68 days of swimming 12 hours a day to travel the 2,400- mile length of the Mississippi River from its source in Lake Itasca, Minnesota, to where it empties out into Gulf of Mexico, Strel says he is a tired man .

"I am more tired today than yesterday," the 47-year-old Slovenian said sluggishly.

"I need a massage. I need a good woman. I didn't touch woman in three months. Not good for me," he told Reuters in a phone interview.