Zayn Malik on leaving One Direction: ‘I’ve never felt more in control’

MANILA, Philippines – Zayn Malik may have left One Direction, but he insists that a rift between him and the rest of the boys was not the reason for his departure.

In an interview with The Sun via People, Zayn said: “My band has been really supportive. They’ve been cool about it… And they understand that, you know, it’s not real to me anymore.”

“It is crazy and wild and a bit mad,” he said. “But at the same time I’ve never felt more in control in my life. And I feel like I’m doing what’s right – right by myself and right by the boys, so I feel good.” 

Zayn hasn’t forgotten his loyal fans: “I feel like I’ve let the fans down but I can’t do this anymore,”

“It’s not that I’ve turned my back on them or anything, it’s just that I just can’t do that anymore because it’s not the real me,” he said.

People also reported that Zayn was working on new music, so it might not be long before fans will hear new material.

Zayn’s departure was announced last March 25 (March 26 in Manila). Speculations that the 22-year old singer would leave the band only grew after Zayn’s sudden departure from the On The Road Again tour due to stress.

Many also speculated that his sudden departure from the tour was connected to rumors about him cheating on fiancee Perrie Edwards of Little Mix – rumors Zayn said were false. – Rappler.com

Zayn Malik stock photo from Shutterstock

More One Direction on Rappler here:

Zayn Malik:

• Zayn Malik on leaving One Direction: ‘I feel like I’m doing what’s right’
• One Direction members speak up about Zayn Malik’s departure
• Zayn Malik in One Direction: 5 unforgettable moments
• CONFIRMED: Zayn Malik leaves One Direction
• In tweets: Fans react to news that Zayn Malik is leaving One Direction
• PH fans react to news that Zayn Malik won’t come to Manila
• Zayn Malik of One Direction will not perform in Manila concert

One Direction in Jakarta:

• IN PHOTOS: One Direction in Jakarta

One Direction in Manila:

Day 2

• IN PHOTOS: One Direction’s last night in Manila
• Highlights: Day 2, One Direction in Manila concert

Day 1

• IN PHOTOS: One Direction in Manila concert, day 1
• Watch clips from One Direction live in Manila, day 1

Arrival

• One Direction arrives in Manila

Other news:

• One Direction pays ‘marijuana bond’ to Philippines – govt
• One Direction concert organizers must pay cash bond for 1D to perform
• Two members of One Direction caught smoking on video
• One Direction to perform in Manila in 2015