Zayn Malik quits boy band One Direction

March 26, 2015 00:51

Zayn Malik has left boy band One Direction but the group will continue without him, they said today, in news set to break the hearts of millions of teenage girls worldwide.

Malik apologised to fans for leaving the British band, whose hits include "What Makes You Beautiful" and "Best Song Ever", but said he had to do "what feels right".

"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," he said in a statement released by One Direction on social media.

"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," Malik added.

The remaining members of the band -- Louis Tomlinson, Liam Payne, Harry Styles and Niall Horan -- sent Malik "all our love for the future".

"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," they said. One Direction, who played in Jakarta today, have sold more than 50 million records and had 91 number one hits globally in countries from Britain to Denmark and New Zealand.

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