One Direction member Zayn Malik has officially left the band, according to the band's statement via BBC News.

"My life with One Direction has been more than what I imagined. But, after five years, I feel like it is now the right time for me to leave the band," said Malik.

"I'd like to apologise to the fans if I'd let anyone down, But I have to do what feels right," he further added.

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The band will continue with their world tour, as a four man band and expressed plans to record a fifth album this year.

Malik left the band tour temporarily last week after facing several issues such as the viral photo taken of him wrapped around a girls waist, who was not his girlfriend, Perrie Edwards.

Another photo was also spread throughout the web, this time Malik stood closer to the unknown girl.

After Malik and a fellow band member, Louis Tomlinson, were featured in a viral video where they smoked pot, this immediately set off a consequence in their concert in Manila. The local immigration required them to pay a cash bond, for public safety purposes.

These series of issues must have caused stress on Malik's part and he immediately flew back to UK last week.

"We're really sad to see Zayn go, but we totally respect his decision and send him all our love for the future," said One Direction in an official statement.

"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 continue. We're looking forward to recording the new album and seeing the fans on the next stage of the world tour," the band further added.

One Direction was discovered in 2010 by British producer and former American Idol judge, Simon Cowell.

TagsOne Direction, Zayn Malik, leaves