LONDON, (Reuters) - U.S. pop star Michael Jackson  announced his long-awaited comeback yesterday, telling  hundreds of screaming fans he would perform in London this  summer and calling it his “final curtain call” in the city.

Wearing a military-style black jacket decorated with silver  sequins and punching the air, the 50-year-old revealed his plans  on a makeshift stage at the 20,000-capacity O2 Arena where he  will play 10 dates starting on July 8.

“Thank you all…this is it,” said Jackson from behind a  pair of dark glasses.

“These will be my final shows … performances in London.  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.”

Music promoter AEG Live, which has signed a deal with  Jackson, said that the 10-show Las Vegas-style “residency” could  be extended if there was sufficient demand for tickets.