«Após cinco anos, sinto que é o momento certo para abandonar a banda», afirmou o jovem de 22 anos, acrescentando que sai da banda porque quer ser «um rapaz normal de 22 anos, capaz de relaxar e de ter algum tempo privado fora das luzes da ribalta».
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. 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." One Direction say: "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." Simon Cowell says: "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."
Posted by One Direction on Quarta-feira, 25 de Março de 2015
Apesar da saída de Zayn Malik, Niall, Harry, Liam e Louis irão continuar com o projecto.
Noivo de Perrie Edwards, o jovem viu-se, nas últimas semanas, envolvido numa polémica depois de ter sido fotografado de mãos dadas com uma desconhecida. Zayn acabou por fazer um comunicado no Twitter, onde afirmava ser apaixonado pela noiva, e por abandonar a digressão da banda pela Ásia para regressar ao Reino Unido.
Zayn out in Phuket last night pic.twitter.com/JroRP5EqUU
— 1D Updates (@1D_Updates_EU) 18 março 2015