Zayn Malik quits One Direction: The band's statement in full

Malik said he wants to live like a "normal 22-year-old"

Zayn Malik has left One Direction. (Ian Gavan/Getty Images for Sony Pictures)

One Direction fans are tonight coming to terms with Zayn Malik's announcement that he has left the boyband.

The 22-year-old popstar has said he wants the chance to live a "normal" life.

In a statement released on their Facebook page, One Direction said they will continue as a four-piece for their world tour and record another album - their fifth - later this year.

Malik said: “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.”

Last week, Malik left the boyband's world tour, after he was signed off with stress.

He was also forced to deny that his marriage with Little Mix singer Perrie Edwards was in jeopardy, after he was pictured close to a woman in an online photo.

One Direction's statement in full:

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 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.”

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.”