While the One Direction fandom is still reeling from Zayn Malik's resignation, the aloof former boybander has spoken out on his reasons, life after his decision and future career plans. On Friday, The Sun published an interview with Malik, in which he explained his decision, announced only one day prior. 

One Direction
What will 1D even look like without Zayn?

"I can't do this anymore," he said.

"I'm feeling quite interesting," Malik told the U.K. publication. "Let's say that."

That's great for Zayn and all, but fans are still curious (and that's putting it mildly) to learn what pushed him to make such a big decision with no prior warning.

"I did try to do something that I wasn't happy doing for a while, for the sake of maybe other people's happiness-and that was mainly the fans. And I only ever tried to do it for the fans, and it was only ever for them. And, basically, I'm only upset I feel like I may have let them down in some sort of way. That's the main thing that I don't want to happen," he said. "It's not that I've turned my back on them or anything, it's just that I just can't do that anymore because it's not real to me."

More: One Direction Songs: Which One Is No.1 on the Top 20 Biggest Selling List?

Ok, minor tangents aside, creative control is important for a musician, we get it. And creative control was exactly what Malik was trying to gain back. So far, the future looks bright. The past few days were admittedly "crazy and wild and a bit mad," but he's "never felt more in control in my life. And I feel like I'm doing what's right, and right by myself and right by the boys, so I feel good."

There was little in the interview you haven't heard already. Apparently, Zayn is already working on solo music, while One Direction will move on as a quartet. The 22-year-old singer will not be replaced in the line-up and his departure was not due to any conflict within the band. 

More: So, Are One Direction Splitting Up?

"My band has been really supportive, Malik explained. They've been really cool about it. And they understand that, you know, it's not real to me anymore. They still want to do it for a while, so they're going to carry on doing what they want to do. And I think they're doing to do OK for a while. I think they're going to be cool."