Zayn Malik quits One Direction after five years!
They will continue as a four-piece
Zayn Malik has sensationally quit One Direction after five years with the band.
The remaining members of the group – Harry, Louis, Liam and Niall – will continue as One Direction and will honour all upcoming commitments and will release their fifth album later this year.
In his emotional parting statement, Zayn said: "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.
“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."
Last Thursday Zayn left One Direction’s world tour due to stress prompting speculation that he was going to quit the band for good.
The announcement came after the 22-year-old singer was forced to defend himself online and declare his love for fiancée, Little Mix’s Perrie Edwards after pictures emerged of him holding a woman’s hand in the far east.
He told his 14million Twitter followers: "I'm 22 years old ... I love a girl named Perrie Edwards. And there's a lot of jealous f***s in this world I'm sorry for what it looks like x"
Commenting upon their band mate’s exit, One Direction said: "We're really sad to see Zayn go, but we totally respect his decision and send him all our love for the future. 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."
Simon Cowell added: "I would like to say thank you to Zayn for everything he has done for One Direction. 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."
PHOTO GALLERY: Zayn Malik’s One Direction career in photos