Zayn Malik has officially decided to part ways with One Direction.
Malik recently left 1D's world tour on March 19 to return home after suffering from immense stress.
"Zayn has been signed off with stress and is flying back to the U.K. to recuperate," the singer's publicist Simon Jones said.
For Malik's mental health, it was important that he "had a break" from being in the spotlight. Unfortunately for his band mates and fans, his departure from the world tour isn't just a "break."
The news shouldn't come as much of a surprise because rumors have been going around for quite some time about the fact that Malik has never really adjusted to life as a superstar.
"He is just a kid. He wants to make music, but the spotlight that comes with it is hard. Fame is kind of catching up with all of them. It's been a grueling and intense few years and it's having a snowball effect now," a source said of the 22-year-old.
"Zayn would be happy with a low-key life. He has a problem with the fame-he doesn't handle the attention very well, and every so often he has a little wobble."
The sad news was revealed through his publicist on Twitter, according to Buzzfeed.
Here's the full statement:
One Direction Statement: After five incredible years Zayn Malik has decided to leave One Direction. Niall, Harry, Liam and Louis will continue as a four-piece and look forward to the forthcoming concerts of their world tour and recording their fifth album, due to be released later this year.
Zayn 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 apologize 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."
One Direction say: "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."
Simon Cowell says: "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. As for One Direction, fans can rest assured that Niall, Liam, Harry and Louis are hugely excited about the future of the band."
