Zayn Malik officially announced his departure from One Direction today, with the band posting a statement confirming the decision on their Facebook page.
“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 said. “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."
Expectedly, die-hard One Direction fans weren’t too happy to hear the news - the top trending Twitter topic is currently #AlwaysInOurHeartsZaynMalik.
Most fans wish him well, despite feeling a bit broken-hearted:
Lets just be greatful for the memories of the last 5 years, its been great @zaynmalik, thank you for everything and we wish you happiness
— On The Road Again (@1DsWWgirls) March 25, 2015
I'm going to love you for the rest of my life @zaynmalik #AlwaysInOurHeartsZaynMalik
— #ThankYouZayn (@stylesfttshawn) March 25, 2015
I've been a fan of 1d for five years now no matter what happens now we'll always have those 5 years @zaynmalik thank you for everything
— Danny Edge⚓️✖️ (@epDannyEdge) March 25, 2015
where do broken hearts go?💔 @zaynmalik #ZaynStayWithUs
— horan syndromé✧ (@bydyshaa) March 25, 2015
I have nothing but utter respect for @zaynmalik I'm so happy I was able to see you guys perform during TMH in 2013. It'll always be special
— 1D_CollegeGirls (@1D_CollegeGirls) March 25, 2015
Stay with us @zaynmalik always in our hearts, we love you so much
— katherine (@ifeelscolors) March 25, 2015
There is no One Direction without Zayn Malik
— akeel (@akeelney) March 25, 2015
You have saved+changed so many lives. Think of that ripple affect, your impact to the world. Be proud. I love you, we love you @zaynmalik 💜
— Molly Night☁️ (@MollyNight) March 25, 2015
If this is what you want, the whole fandom will support you and love you for the rest of our lives. @zaynmalik
— Molly Night☁️ (@MollyNight) March 25, 2015
I feel bad for the fandom😔i can only imagine how bad it hurts. I think we should just think about the memories instead of the end #ZaynMalik
— Allie||please Ari?❤ (@OhSnapItsAllieX) March 25, 2015
But then again, it’s One Direction, so there are an equal amount of snarky comments to counter the gloom:
Zayn Malik left One Direction & why should we care? .... Who's Zayn Malik again?
— President Baji. (@GhazalaBaji) March 25, 2015
Zayn Malik leaving One Direction? Not like I cared about them in the first place haha.
— ✖VOC♫LIST✖ (@YeahGC) March 25, 2015
It’s concerning that some fans, unfortunately, seem a bit too overwhelmed with the news:
Zayn Malik left One Direction and I'm literally going to kill myself.
— Glen Edward Hill (@glenehill) March 25, 2015
I'm really going to kill myself I swear 💉🔪💊🔪💉💉✂️ bye world. Thanks Zayn @zaynmalik
— ZAYN COME BACK!!! (@Aliyyah_liba) March 25, 2015
