"I've been working so hard on this new album and I can't wait for you all to hear it and to go on tour again," Brit wrote, adding: "I would like to exclusively tell you that I am working hard to release the new album sometime later this year, but the date is of course not certain yet.

I look forward to coming back this year bigger and better than ever, and to also reaching out to my fans on a more personal level.

I know I've been far from perfect and the media has had a lot of fun exaggerating my every move, but I want you all to know that I love my fans so much and I appreciate everything you have done for me."

...It is what Britney Spears confirmed in a message to fans on her official website.