MICHAEL JACKSON 'WARNED BRITNEY'

Michael Jackson reportedly advised Britney Spears to retire from the music industry to focus on life with her family.

Michael Jackson warned Britney Spears not to "end up" like him.

The late 'Thriller' star - who died of a suspected cardiac arrest on June 25 - reportedly telephoned the 27-year-old singer a few weeks before his death and told her to retire from the music industry and focus on family life.

A friend of Britney's said: "Michael told her, 'Don't end up like me.' His warning was eerie, like he was trying to tell Britney he was going to die."

The pair had remained friends since they famously performed 'The Way You Make Me Feel' together at Michael's 30th anniversary celebration concert in New York's Madison Square Garden in 2001.

The source added to Britain's Look magazine: "I think Michael's warning sent shivers down Britney's spine. He was emphatic in warning her she should leave showbusiness in order to maintain her sanity. He thought she should retire after the 'Circus' tour so she could focus on the things that mattered - her sons and family. Britney must have taken Michael's words to heart as she promised him she would at least take a long break after she finished the tour."

Britney recently spoke out about her devastation at learning about Michael's death.

She said: "I was so excited to see his show in London. We were going to be on tour in Europe at the same time and I was going to fly in to see him. He has been an inspiration throughout my entire life and I'm devastated he's gone!"

I personally really hope, she takes this advise and tries to take a break from the whole showbuissnes to start trying to live a life as "normal" as possible for her and her boys...