Justin Bieber has claimed he is retiring.In an announcement that no doubt caused rivers of teenage girls' tears across the world, the 19-year-old star has revealed he is taking a step back 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, California, on Tuesday: 'After the new album, I'm actually retiring man. I'm retiring.'Radio host Kurt Alexander, better known as Big Boy, reacted by exclaiming 'What?' and an audible gasp could be heard from the radio program's cast of characters moments after Justin announced the news.However while the star seemed somewhat sure at first, following their reaction, he backtracked slightly suggesting he has not quite made up his mind: 'I want to grow as an artist and I'm taking a step out, I want my music to mature.'The singer, who has caused controversy in recent months for antics including partying underage in nightclubs and spray-painting public property in Australia, said the main issue is that he is no longer attracted to the idea of fame. The Baby star said: 'I'm here solely for my fans and for the music.'But before Beliebers everywhere despair, a source close to Justin told TMZ the 19-year-old was just joking and has no plans to permanently hang up his microphone.The insider said: 'The kid's got ambition.'During the radio interview, 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.'The teenager has been in the news a lot lately.The star is currently preparing to testify in a case bought against him by photographer, Jeffery Binion, who claims that one of the hitmaker's bodyguards choked him and stole his camera equipment in June.Justin is expected to be questioned by the paparazzo's lawyer next week in a videotaped session, however according to TMZ, the Believe singer's lawyers want the footage under lock and key fearing that the deposition might be published to the public.Also, over the weekend, emergency services were called to the pop star's Calabasas mansion because of a young woman was found unconscious during a party in the early hours of Saturday morning.She later came to and declined medical treatment before it arrived.Talk of retirement comes a day before Justin's documentary Believe is premiered in Los Angeles.Due out Christmas day, the film is a on and off stage look at the singer's rise to fame and stardom.Heralded by the star as a chance to tell his story, in the trailer he implores people to 'not believe the hype'.Breaking down in tears at one point, Justin says he feels he is a target but he wants to focus on the fans and not the fame.He says: 'It all started with the fans, so it's got to end with the fans. It's back to being the underdog.'Since being discovered at the age of 13, Justin has become one of the most successful solo acts of all time and has an estimated net worth of in excess $130 million.(dailymail.co.uk)ANN.Az