EXCLUSIVE: Zayn Malik QUITS One Direction after five years... leaving Niall, Harry, Liam and Louis to continue as a four-piece

Zayn Malik has quit One Direction after five years.

The 22-year-old singer has made the decision to
bow out of the chart-topping boyband, leaving Niall Horan, Harry Styles, Liam Payne and Louis Tomlinson to continue as a four-piece. 

Zayn said in a statement released to MailOnline on Wednesday afternoon: '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.'

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