One Direction React To Zayn Malik's Departure, Thank Fans For Support

The remaining members of One Direction have shared their feelings on the departure of their former band mate, Zayn Malik. One Direction announced Malik was leaving One Direction on Wednesday (25th March). The announcement, posted on the band's Facebook page, explained how Malik wanted to move on from the band and live life as "a normal 22-year-old who is able to relax and have some private time out of the spotlight."

Zayn Malik has left One Direction.

The news of Malik's departure comes less than a week after he announced he was taking time off from the last leg of the band's world tour as a result of stress. His departure also follows rumours claiming he cheated on his fiancée, Little Mix's Perrie Edwards.

One Direction's fans have mourned the departure of Malik from the group but his band mates, although saddened by his decision, have remained optimistic about the future.

"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," the remaining band members said in a statement.

The four remaining members, Liam Payne, Niall Horan, Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson, have individually offered their thoughts on Malik's departure.

Payne has asked fans to keep supporting the band, claiming the group and concept as a whole was larger than one individual. He recognised it was a difficult and "sad" time with Malik leaving the band, naming a number of experiences they would no longer share, but promised "there's a lot more to come" from the remaining four members.

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One Direction (L-R): Niall Horan, Harry Styles, Liam Payne, Zayn Malik and Louis Tomlinson.