Michael Jackson told Britney to retire early

Michael Jackson had reportedly warned Britney Spears about the perils of fame and had adviced her to retire early from showbiz to focus on her life and family just weeks before his death.

The 'King of Pop', who rose to dizzying heights in his career before slippling into oblivion after child abuse charges in 1993, was worried that Britney might "end up" like him, a source close to the singer told Look magazine.

The 'Thriller' hitmaker, who died of a suspected cardiac arrest on June 25, reportedly telephoned the 27-year-old singer a few weeks before his death and warned her about the dangers of fame.

"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," a friend of Britney told the magazine.

Britney developed a friendship with Jackson after they performed 'The Way You Make Me Feel' together at Michael's 30th anniversary celebration concert in New York's Madison Square Garden in 2001.

"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," the source said.