ZAYN MALIK HAS spoken out about his decision to leave One Direction, saying that being in the band was no longer “real” to him.

Earlier this week, the news broke that Zayn was quitting not just the 1D world tour, but the band itself. In a statement on Facebook, he announced that he wished to take time away from the spotlight and be a “normal 22-year-old”.

It hasn’t taken him too long to break his silence on the matter, however – speaking to The Sun this morning, he gave his reasons for quitting:

I feel like I’ve let the fans down, but I can’t do this anymore. It is crazy and wild and a bit mad. But at the same time I’ve never felt more in control in my life. And I feel like I’m doing what’s right – right by myself and right by the boys, so I feel good.

He was quick to deny any rift between him and his bandmates, saying the rumours of an acrimonious split “couldn’t be more wrong”.

PA Wire / Press Association Images PA Wire / Press Association Images / Press Association Images

You know, 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. I only ever tried to do it for the fans.

But do not fret, Directioners – he believes that the remaining members will “carry on for a while”. Zayn, however, is just going to be ‘normal’.

I’m just going to chill, man. I’m just going to be me for a while.

:’(

Tumblr Tumblr

 Previously: And then there were four – Zayn just announced he’s leaving One Direction>

A shop in Monaghan is really capitalising on Zayn leaving 1D>