Dr's claim: Michael Jackson 'determined to find a way out'

Pop singer Michael Jackson died in 2009. Photo / AP

Michael Jackson was a "vulnerable man" in a "financial crisis" when he died.

The Thriller singer passed away in June 2009 due to acute propofol intoxication and his former physician Dr. Conrad Murray claims he couldn't cope with the prospect of performing 50 shows at London's O2 Arena, which were due to take place later that year.

Murray - who was jailed for four years for the involuntary manslaughter of Jackson - told the Daily Star Online: "He despised those shows, he didn't even want to come to London.

He was forced to by AEG who picked the venue because they co-owned it. All he wanted was to be alone.

"He was not ready mentally or physically to do those shows. He was determined to find a way out.

"Did he want to die? I can't tell you but I can say he was a very vulnerable man who was in a financial crisis and he didn't have the energy to perform. He knew that."

Murray - who has written a tell-all book, This Is It!: The Secret lives of Dr. Conrad Murray and Michael Jackson - says the father-of-three lived a very sad existence as he struggled to cope with being the world's most famous man.

Murray explained: "I felt sorry for Michael. Unlike the rest of us he couldn't walk down the street. He had to hide away, he had no freedom. He was sad beyond measure... a recluse.

"Michael Jackson carried a trove of trash. Not treasures, trash. When we were alone he confessed to much to me. I was the source that he used to let go all of his pain. He was miserably-minded about life. Both past and present.

"He would speak to me about everything. He would cry and cry, he carried burdens that he had for years and years."

- Bang! Showbiz