‘ I Want To Be A Normal 22-Year-Old:’ Zayn Malik Has Left One Direction

Zayn Malik has left One Direction.

A publicist for the band posted a statement to Twitter on Wednesday afternoon, a week after the singer was signed off sick from the boyband.

'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 added: '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.'

In the official statement on Zayn's departure the remaining bandmates Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson and Liam Payne said: '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's exit from the band - which was created on the X Factor in 2010 - comes after the Bradford-born singer was spotted holding hands with a blonde female in Thailand.

After the images of Zayn and Lauren Rich were published the singer took to Twitter to deny claims he had cheated on his fiancee - Little Mix star Perrie Edwards.

He wrote: 'I'm 22 years old... I love a girl named Perrie Edwards. And there's a lot of jealous f**** in this world I'm sorry for what it looks like x'

After posting the Tweet Zayn left One Direction's On The Road Again tour early in the wake of the accusations he had cheated on Perrie with Lauren.

A spokesperson for the band said: 'Zayn has signed off with stress and is flying back to the UK to recuperate. The band wish him well and will continue with their performances in Manila and Jakarta.'

Speaking about Zayn's departure X Factor boss Simon Cowell 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. As for One Direction, fans can rest assured that ‎Niall, Liam, Harry and Louis are hugely excited about the future of the band.'