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."

Read More: Zayn Malik Quits One Direction, Breaks Millions Of Hearts.

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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Read More: Louis Tomlinson Confirms Split From Girlfriend As One Direction Continue Tour Without Zayn Malik.

"It's sad to think for the time being we won't grace the stage as five bros or have the same fun on a tour bus or laughs in a hotel together that we have over the years but I'm super sure us and Zayn will always remain the closest friends. I guess what I'm really trying to say is it's far from over," Payne wrote on Twitter.

**Read More: One Direction Fans Fear For Boyband's Future After Zayn Malik Is Signed Off Tour.**

"When we very 1st [sic] became successful we all agreed that One Direction had become much bigger than each individual member that's why I feel like right now it's ok to be sad and upset but I do ask everyone who is a fan of us to please keep ur [sic] faith in us I'm sure there's a lot more to come."

Horan did not directly refer to Malik's departure but thanked fans for their "incredible" support over the past few "mad days". "This [support] in turn spurs us on to make the best music we possibly can," Horan added whilst posting on Twitter.

Tomlinson echoed Horan, thanking fans for their support and promising they would continue making the sort of music the fans love. "Your support has been incredible, truly incredible so thank you so much!" Tomlinson wrote.

"Been a crazy couple of days but know that we are going to work harder than ever to deliver the best album we've ever made for you guys!"

Styles' message was far less direct but he kept it simple, tweeting: "All love as always, H."

**Read More: Zayn Malik "Signed Off With Stress", Taking A Break From One Direction Tour.**