Justin Bieber says he's 'retiring,' camp says he's just kidding

By Nardine Saad

Dec. 18, 2013 3:07 PM PT

Is Justin Bieber retiring?

Well, it seems like that’s what he wants fans to think, but that isn’t necessarily the case. (Insert grunts of annoyance here).

After appearing on L.A. radio’s Power 106 on Tuesday, the 19-year-old said that he’d be quitting music after his next album, “Journals,” drops on Dec. 23.

PHOTOS: Justin Bieber in Los Angeles

“After the new album, I’m actually, I’m retiring man, I’m retiring,” the wildly successful pop star said on “Big Boy’s Neighborhood.”

And that was it for the time being. But on Wednesday, a full version of the interview surfaced that had the prankster elaborating on his comments.

“I’m just gonna take some time. I think I’m probably going to quit music,” the raspy-sounding singer added. “... No, no, I’m just quitting music. I’m quitting everything. I’m quitting. I’m gonna go golf.

Then he added: “No, I’m just messing around.”

But, never say never.

Bieber’s camp also clarified that the YouTube sensation-turned-global pop star was just kidding, TMZ reported.

“The kid’s got ambition,” a source told the site.

Sources also told the New York Daily News that the statement was “untrue” and merely “a joke from his end.”

Perhaps he should consider a career in comedy. At least heckling would be allowed.

Still, way to change your 2013 narrative from peeing in a bucket and visiting a brothel in Brazil, Biebs...

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