Photo: Wenn
Zayn Malik has officially quit One Direction, following his decision to take a break from the band’s On the Road Again tour.
In a statement posted to the band’s Facebook page, Malik said: "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."
He continued: "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 will carry on with their current tour and will continue to to record their fifth album without Malik. "We're really sad to see Zayn go, but we totally respect his decision and send him all our love for the future," they said of his departure. "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."
Simon Cowell, who put the band together during their time on The X Factor, thanked Malik for everything he has done for the band. "Since I first met Zayn in 2010, I have grown very, very fond - and immensely proud - of him,” he said. “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."
One Direction are currently on tour - you can see them at any of the following European and North American shows:
05 June - Cardiff, GB, Millenium Stadium
06 June - Cardiff, GB, Millenium Stadium
10 June - Vienna, AT, Ernst-Happel-Stadion
13 June - Brussels, BE, King Baudouin Stadium
16 June - Horsens, DK, CASA Arena
19 June - Oslo, NO, Ullevaal Stadion
23 June - Gothenburg, SE, Ullevi
27 June - Helsinki, FI, Olympiastadion
09 July - San Diego, California, US, Qualcomm Stadium
11 July - San Francisco, California, US, Levi's Stadium
15 July - Seattle, Washington, US, CenturyLink Field
17 July - Vancouver, British Columbia, CA, BC Place
21 July - Edmonton, Alberta, CA, Commonwealth Stadium
24 July - Winnipeg, Manitoba, CA, Investors Group Field
26 July - Minneapolis, Minnesota, US, TCF Bank Stadium
28 July - Kansas City, Missouri, US, Arrowhead Stadium
31 July - Indianapolis, Indiana, US, Lucas Oli Stadium
02 August - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, US, Heinz Field
05 August - East Rutherford, New Jersey, US, MetLife Stadium
08 August - Baltimore, Maryland, US, M&T Bank Stadium
18 August - Columbus, Ohio, US, Ohio Stadium
20 August - Toronto, Ontario, CA, Rogers Centre
23 August - Chicago, Illinois, US, Soldier Field
25 August - Milwaukee, Wisconsin, US, Miller Park
27 August - Cleveland, Ohio, US, FirstEnergy Stadium
29 August - Detroit, Michigan, US, Ford Field
01 September - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US, Lincoln Financial Field
03 September - Buffalo, New York, US, Ralph Wilson Stadium
05 September - Montreal, Quebec, CA, Olympic Stadium
08 September - Ottawa, Ontario, CA, Canadian Tire Centre
09 September - Ottawa, Ontario, CA, Canadian Tire Centre
12 September - Boston, Massachusetts, US, Gillette Stadium
24 September - London, GB, O2 Arena
25 September - London, GB, O2 Arena
26 September - London, GB, O2 Arena
28 September - London, GB, O2 Arena
29 September - London, GB, O2 Arena
30 September - London, GB, O2 Arena
03 October - Manchester, GB, Manchester Arena
04 October - Manchester, GB, Manchester Arena
07 October - Glasgow, GB, SSE Hydro Arena
08 October - Glasgow, GB, SSE Hydro Arena
10 October - Birmingham, GB, Barclaycard Arena
11 October - Birmingham, GB, Barclaycard Arena
12 October - Birmingham, GB, Barclaycard Arena
16 October - Dublin, IE, 3Arena
17 October - Dublin, IE, 3Arena
18 October - Dublin, IE, 3Arena
20 October - Belfast, GB, Odyssey Arena
21 October - Belfast, GB, Odyssey Arena
22 October - Belfast, GB, Odyssey Arena
25 October - Newcastle, GB, Metro Radio Arena
26 October - Newcastle, GB, Metro Radio Arena
27 October - Newcastle, GB, Metro Radio Arena
29 October - Sheffield, GB, Motorpoint Arena
30 October - Sheffield, GB, Motorpoint Arena
31 October - Sheffield, GB, Motorpoint Arena
