It’s official! One Direction is now a quartet.
Zayn Malik announced last week that he was leaving the current One Direction tour due to stress but it now looks like that leave will be indefinite. The band took to their Facebook page today to release a statement saying that Zayn has officially left the group.
The statement reads, “After five incredible years Zayn Malik has decided to leave One
Direction. Niall, Harry, Liam and Louis will continue as a four-piece and look forward to the forthcoming concerts of their world tour and recording their fifth album, due to be released later this year.”
Of the split, Zayn says, “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.”
We are happy that 1D will not be completely over and the four remaining members will continue to make music together. Liam, Harry, Niall and Louis shared in a statement, “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.”
And lastly, the man responsible for putting the group together on the X Factor, Simon Cowell, shared, “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.”
We are wishing Zayn all the best and happiness. We will miss you Zayn!
