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Los Angeles - Justin Bieber has claimed he is retiring.
The 19-year-old star, who has caused controversy in recent months for antics including partying underage in nightclubs and spray-painting public property in Australia, is planning to take a break from the music industry when his new album, Journals, is released next week, and it could be permanent.
The Heartbreaker hitmaker told radio station Power 106 in Los Angeles on Tuesday: "After the new album, I'm actually retiring man. I'm retiring."
He then suggested he hasn't quite made up his mind, adding: "I want to grow as an artist and I'm taking a step out, I want my music to mature."
But the singer is no longer attracted to the idea of fame.
He said: "I'm here solely for my fans and for the music."
A source close to Justin insisted he was just joking and has no plans to permanently hang up his microphone.
The insider said: "The kid's got ambition."
Justin also hit back at his critics and denied he is becoming increasingly "arrogant".
He said: "People think I'm arrogant, I'm not, I've always been a caring and giving person. I'm 19. I'm gonna make mistakes it's inevitable."
