The remaining members of the band Louis Tomlinson, Liam Payne, Harry Styles and Niall Horan said they will now continue on without him. But Zayn says he has to ‘do what feels right’.
“My life with One Direction has been more than I could ever have imagined. But, after five years, I feel like it is now the right time for me to leave the band,” he said in a statement on the band’s Facebook page.
“I’d like to apologise to the fans if I’ve let anyone down, but I have to do what feels right in my heart.
“I am leaving because I want to be a normal 22-year-old who is able to relax and have some private time out of the spotlight. I know I have four friends for life in Louis, Liam, Harry and Niall. I know they will continue to be the best band in the world.”
The remaining band members, who will continue the group’s current work tour, sent Zayn support.
Zayn Malik has said he is leaving British boy band One Direction to try and lead a normal life.
“We’re really sad to see Zayn go, but we totally respect his decision and send him all our love for the future,” the remaining band members said.
“The past five years have been beyond amazing, we’ve gone through so much together, so we will always be friends. The four of us will now continue. We’re looking forward to recording the new album and seeing all the fans on the next stage of the world tour.”
Zayn, who is engaged the Little Mix pop star Perrie Edwards took himself off the tour earlier this month due to stress. Pictures soon surfaced of him in Thailand getting close to another woman, but Zayn denied any wrong doing on his part.
The boy band phenomenon was discovered on the UK’s The X Factor by judge Simon Cowell and has sold more than 50 million records and had 91 number one hits globally.
Simon said he was “truly sorry” to see Malik leave the band.
“I would like to say thank you to Zayn for everything he has done for One Direction,” he said.
“Since I first met Zayn in 2010, I have grown very, very fond – and immensely proud – of him. I have seen him grow in confidence and I am truly sorry to see him leave.
“As for One Direction, fans can rest assured that Niall, Liam, Harry and Louis are hugely excited about the future of the band.”
