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Zayn Malik says he is quitting British boy band One Direction because he wants to lead a normal life.
He added: "As for One Direction, fans can rest assured that Niall, Liam, Harry and Louis are hugely excited about the future of the band."
Zayn has apologised to fans for leaving the global phenomenon group, but says he had to do "what feels right".
In a statement, he 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."
The remaining members of the band - Louis Tomlinson, Liam Payne, Harry Styles and Niall Horan - have released this statement:
"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."
Zayn, who is engaged to Little Mix pop star Perrie Edwards, quit the tour earlier this month due to stress after pictures appeared online showing him close to another woman. One Direction, who are currently on a world tour, have sold more than 50 million records and had 91 number one hits globally (ninety one!).
"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."
Zayn, who is engaged to Little Mix pop star Perrie Edwards, quit the tour earlier this month due to stress after pictures appeared online showing him close to another woman. One Direction, who are currently on a world tour, have sold more than 50 million records and had 91 number one hits globally (ninety one!).
The band was created in 2010 as a result of the British talent show 'The X Factor' before achieving worldwide success.
Simon Cowell, who discovered the boy band on the talent show, said: "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.
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