Bieber is 'never going to stop loving' Gomez

Singer Justin Bieber says his ex-girlfriend Selena Gomez is someone he loves "dearly" and that he will never stop checking in on her.

The "What do you mean?" hitmaker discussed their 2013 break-up during his appearance on "Access Hollywood" show, reports usmagazine.com.

"It was really tough. I don't know if I'm over it yet," said Bieber, 21.

"I think that I'm definitely in another place and I think we've definitely went our separate ways. I love her and I want her to be awesome, but there are things that remind me of her."

He added: "(She) is someone I love dearly. I'm never going to stop loving her. I'm never going to stop checking in on her. I don't think if you end a relationship, you should end that, unless it was super toxic and you guys were hurting each other physically or mentally. We always respected each other and we still respect each other."

Bieber and the "Good for you" singer, 23, were an on-and-off couple for three years before calling it quits in January 2013. The pair remain amicable, with Bieber even admitting that some songs on his new album, "Purpose", were inspired by Gomez.

"A lot of it (is about her)," said Bieber. "Probably, like, three (songs)," he continued, noting that Gomez was his "first real love".