After three months of incertitude and speculations surrounding the health condition of Cuban President Fidel Castro, the 81-year-old leader appeared in an interview aired on state television Friday night.

“Well, then, here I am,” was Castro’s simple response to speculations of his is dead or mysterious disappearance.

He said “nobody knows what day they are going to die,” mocking the rumors of his death. “They say 'I was dying' and 'if I die' and 'I will die the day after tomorrow' or something,” Castro said.

The last images of Castro appeared on June 5 and since then various theories emerged, some saying he passed away or his health condition is deteriorating rapidly.

The ailing leader had to cede power to his brother Raul Castro more than a year ago after he underwent surgery due to an “acute intestinal crisis with sustained bleeding.” The transfer of duties was described at the moment as “temporary” and the leader was expected to resume his regular activities after recovering from surgery.

Castro appeared pale and remained seated, but was constantly moving on the chair and gesticulating. He was wearing a Cuban national team jumpsuit, at one point making fun of his outfit but underlined that he is not seeking “elegance” or “publicity.”

During the hour-long interview Castro spoke about numerous topics and made some comparisons with past events.

He showed several books, including the memoirs of British former prime minister Margaret Thatcher and the new book of former US Federal Reserve boss Alan Greenspan, “The Age of Turbulence: Adventures in a New World.”

He read several excerpts from Greenspan’s memoirs and commented them. The leader didn’t make any comment referring a possible return to power.

The discussion was recorded in an undisclosed location, Cuban television saying it was filmed Friday, while many said the tape cold have been made months ago.

These are the first images of Castro since June, when he appeared on national television for the first time since he transferred duties to his younger brother on July 31, 2006.

Then, he said the recovery is going well and his health will no longer be a “state secret,” but his statement wasn’t confirmed and little official information about his health condition appeared.

Castro did not appear in public since last on July 26, just five days before he transferred power to Raul.