Zayn Malik is officially leaving One Direction

Zayn Malik is officially leaving One Direction

After releasing four hit albums and touring the world multiple times in front of adoring audiences, One Direction announced they're losing one of their members. Zayn Malik is indeed leaving the band.

The 22-year old Malik explained his decision with a statement on 1D's official Facebook page, writing:

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.

The band made it clear they're going on as a four piece stating:

We're really sad to see Zayn go, but we totallyrespect 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.

There seems to be absolutely no bad blood between Zayn and his ex bandmates, at least officially.