The 22-year-old singer who goes by the name Zyan Milak– who left the group’s world
tour last week due to stress – has announced he is
leaving the band to live a “normal” life out of the
spotlight.
In a statement posted on the group’s official Facebook
page, Malik announced his departure from the group.
“My life with One Direction has been more than I could
ever have imagined,” he wrote. “But, after five years, I feel
like it is now the right time for me to leave the band. I’d
like to apologize 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,” he added. “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.”
One Direction , who are currently on a world tour, have
sold more than 50 million records and had 91 number
one hits globally.
The remaining members of the group – Liam Payne,
Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan and Harry Styles – will
continue as a four-piece and have reassured fans that
their world tour and recording of their fifth album will
still go ahead.
The Facebook post also contained statements from One
Direction and Simon Cowell, who put the group together
in 2010 during their season on the UK show X-Factor .
Malik’s former group plan to continue recording, with
the remaining members promising fans a new album.
“We’re really sad to see Zayn go, but we totally respect
his decision and send him all our love for the future,”
the group wrote. “The past five years have been beyond
amazing, we’ve gone through so much together, so we
will always be friends.” Cowell thanked Malik for his
contributions to the group.
