Michael Jackson gathered with fans and reporters alike in London to announce his retirement from the stage...we think.

Michael, donning his uniform black shades and a military-style jacket full of sparkles, took to a podium in London Wednesday to declare that an upcoming stream of concerts will be his "final curtain call," reports Reuters.

The King of Pop, who is 50 years old, will perform 10 shows at the O2 Arena in London beginning July 8.

"These will be my final shows ... performances in London," Michael said. "When I say this is it, I mean this is it. I'll be performing the songs my fans want to hear. This is it, this is really it, this is the final curtain call."

But while Michael's words sound like an ominous retirement threat (No, Michael, don't ever leave us!), the arena's owners are entertaining the idea of extending the 10-show run if demand is high. Randy Phillips, CEO of the company that owns O2 Arena, said a possible three-and-a-half year deal is on the table.

"He could gross well over $400 million over the three and a half years," he said.

That agreement would also include a film version of "Thriller," Michael's biggest hit song.

We checked O2 Arena's website and saw that ticket prices are set at three levels: £75 / £65 / £50, or the equivalent of about $106/$92/$71. They go on sale to the public at 7 a.m. on Friday, March 13 (that's London time!) and will be available through MichaelJacksonLive.com.

Check out a vid of MJ's announcements:

-- Whitney Teal