Social media has for the past hours been buzzing about the departure of Zayn Malik from boy band One Direction since the group confirmed the news.
Stating among other reasons why he left the group, Zayn said he wants “to be a normal 22-year-old who is able to relax and have some private time”.
Former band mates Niall Horan, Harry Styles, Liam Payne and Louis Tomlinson will continue as a four-piece for their forthcoming world tour and fifth album.
His full statement reads: “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.”
His departure was somehow announced last week after a spokesperson from the band announced that Malik had officially been signed off the current tour in Asia owing to stress.
