Liam Payne has spoken out about his devastation over former fellow band member Zayn Malik’s departure from One Direction but insists they will always remain the best of friends.
Zayn broke Directioner’s hearts yesterday by quitting the group after five years, saying he wanted a “normal” life away from the spotlight.
And, while remaining member Liam says he’s sad over what’s happened, he hopes fans will continue to keep their faith in the band.
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He wrote in a statement: “For the past five years now I’ve been part of something so special I don’t think any of us really understand, something that can mean the world to people and put a smile on the face of our fans even in the darkest times.
“To a lot of people it’s just a bunch of silly kids in a band but to the people involved it means so much more.
“This last week has been some of the worst times, possibly the worst, it’s something we are all deeply saddened by. It’s sad to think for the time we won’t grace the stage as five bros or have the same fun on a tour bus or laughs in a hotel together that we have over the years but I’m super sure us and Zayn will always remain the closest friends.
“I guess what I’m really trying to say is that it’s far from over. When we very first became successful we all agreed that One Direction had become much bigger than each individual member, that’s why I feel like right now it’s ok to be sad and upset but I do ask everyone who is a fan of us to please keep your faith in us.
“I’m sure there’s a lot more to come.”
Zayn announced he was leaving 1D yesterday after five years with the band.
He said in a statement: “My life with One Direction has been more than I could have ever imagined. But after five years, I feel it is the right time for me to leave.
“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 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.”
GALLERY: Zayn Malik quits One Direction - here's how it happened
Zayn Malik quits One Direction - here's how it happened
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Zayn is spotted with a "mystery" blonde girl who ISN'T his fiancee Perrie Edwards while on tour in Thailand and Twitter goes into meltdown
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The "mystery blonde" is identified as Lauren Richardson from Essex, and things look cosy - though her mum insists she was "just posing for a snap" with Zayn
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As Twitter goes into meltdown over the photos, Zayn tweets: "I'm 22 years old... I love a girl named Perrie Edwards. And there's a lot of jealous f***s in this world I'm sorry for what it looks like x"
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Zayn then sensationally QUITS the One Direction tour. His publicist Simon Jones says: "Zayn has been signed off with stress and is flying back to the U.K. to recuperate."
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Perrie Edwards is seen leaving her house with an overnight bag hours after Zayn flies back into the UK - but she's still wearing her engagement ring
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Zayn's sister Waliyha, 16, urges fans to "pray" for her brother. “Don't worry guys, Zayn is going to be okay very soon,” she wrote. “All the stress has just gotten to him because of the rumours and hatred he has heard and received."
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Liam Payne infuriates fans by tweeting a photo of the band with "missing" Zayn...
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Zayn quits the band on 25 March. A statement reads: "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."
And a million Directioners' hearts break.