A lengthy new interview with The Rolling Stones‘ Keith Richards was posted on GQ magazine’s website on Tuesday.  In the article, the wrinkly rocker opens up about a wide variety of topics, including comments he made in his memoir, Life, about the size of Mick Jagger‘s manhood.

Asked about the appropriateness of poking fun of his band mate’s alleged lack of size, the guitar icon replied, “Between friends I think anything’s allowed,” adding, “I mean, I’ve never seen it.  I only heard.

He went on to say, “It was a joke.  Between friends a joke’s a joke, and if you can’t take a joke…”

Richards reportedly was critical of Jagger in numerous passages throughout Life, and speculation arose that his treatment of the singer in the book adversely affected their friendship.  With regard to that supposed strain on their relationship, Richards explained, “What is in the book is in the book, and the fact is that Mick and I still talk and are still working together.  So maybe that was another balance that needed to be sorted out.  Mick and me, two guys divided by love.”

Meanwhile, Richards admitted that he hopes The Stones return to action in 2012, which will mark the band’s 50th anniversary.

“Next year is sort of up for grabs,” he said.  “If I can pull them together, I’m there.”

Richards also revealed that he’s written six new songs with Steve Jordan, the drummer of his side group the X-Pensive Winos, that may become a full-fledged album.

“I’m sort of basically recovering from the book, and this is my therapy at the moment,” he offered.  “In the process of doing it, my chops are coming back.”