Just days after dropping out of the live tour, Zayn Malik has officially announced he is leaving One Direction after five years. In a statement released today Malik apologised to his fans.
"My life with One Direction has been more than I could ever have imagined,” Malik wrote. “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."
Remaining members Niall Horan, Liam Payne, Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson will continue touring as One Direction, and plan to release their fifth album later this year.
In the statement the band commented: "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."
So how are the fans taking it? Well...
