Spanish singer Raphael says he has always focused on his legacy

Having a presence in so many homes around the world is seen as one of his great achievements by Spanish singer Raphael, who said in Mexico City that he will die as an artist.

“I love being a tradition, it’s what I like most. It’s what I’ve fought for all my life, for a little bit of me to be present in every home in every country I like being a tradition,” the singer told reporters.

The 71yearold artist is in Mexico for several concerts on his “Mi Gran Noche” (My Big Night) tour, which winds up this June in the United States, and said he is in very good health and never thinks of retiring but will sing until his dying day.

“Whoever is born an artist dies an artist, that is unchangeable...There will naturally come a time when I’ll have to stop my globetrotting, but that day will not occasion my retirement, it will just mean I’m going on vacation and I will go on vacation. What I won’t do is a farewell tour, that’s never going to happen,” the singer said

The artist also commented on the news of his death that came out Sunday after several Twitter users posted alleged reproductions of stories published in various media, but which were no more than manipulated photos.

“I think it’s a total lack of respect and please, I ask the media to contrast the good news with the bad, but to contrast them, and I’m not going to say another word on the subject,” the singer said.

The vocalist of songs like “Yo Soy Aquel” and “Digan lo que Digan” spoke about his upcoming disc entitled “De Amor y Desamor,” a concert he will give in July with Britain’s Tom Jones, and a recording of 300 of his hits, each given a fresh new touch.