Spanish superstar Julio Iglesias has been crooning romantic ballads to millions of fans around the world since his career began in the 1970s.  But the 68-year-old singer made a surprising admission to CTV’s Canada AM on Friday.

Iglesias started his career believing that he was “a very bad singer.”

“When I started my career I thought I was a guy with a guitar. I’m a little better now,” Iglesias said on Friday during a pre-taped beachside interview from his home in Marbella, Spain.

The singer’s latest album, “Numero 1,” will be released in North America on Aug. 28, 2012.

Most of the songs were recorded in Iglesias’ home studio in between concert dates over the last three years.

The final product includes remakes of some of the classic ballads that helped Iglesias sell more than 100 million records in 14 languages throughout his career.

“I decided to do some of my songs again. It’s my way to say ‘Thank you’ to fans,” said Iglesias.

“I never forget the people who come to my concerts and buy my records, and many don’t have money to survive,” he said.

“They put money together that is a fortune to them. They are the main people I remember,” Iglesias added.

Iglesias rose to international stardom in the 1970s and 1980s. During that time Iglesias released popular European hits such as “Un Canto A Galicia,” which sold one million copies in Germany alone in 1975, “El Amor” and the French hit “Je n’ai pas change.”

In 1984, Iglesias released “1100 Bel Air Place,” the hit album which gave him his first taste of success in the English-speaking entertainment industry.

Iglesias went on to record duets with other stars and earn Grammy nominations.

Looking ahead, Iglesias is intrigued by the idea of performing on an album with his sons, Julia Iglesias, Jr., 39, and Enrique Iglesias, 37.  But Iglesias, Sr. has no intentions of slowing down

“I am 68 years old and I cannot understand my life without music,” said Iglesias.

“What I feel on stage I don’t feel anywhere else. My heart beats stronger. I feel young,” he said.

The father of eight also admitted that he is no “super dad,” despite his easy-going, suave public image.

“I’m trying to do the best that I can and motivate my kids to be better kids. But I’m not a super dad,” said Iglesias.

Looking back, Iglesias has only regret about his extraordinary life and career.

“I have regrets that I didn’t spend enough time with my mother and father -- but not my kids,” said Iglesias.

“I was there for them,” he said.