One Direction speaks out for the first time since Zayn Malik left the band

ONE Direction has finally opened up about Zayn Malik’s abrupt exit, revealing what they really think about the troubled singer.

IT’S been a week since Zayn Malik made the announcement that shocked every teenage girl around the world.

Until now, the remaining members of One Direction have remained tight lipped about Malik’s abrupt exit.

Now Harry Styles, Liam Payne, Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson have revealed what they really think about Malik in an interview with British newspaper, The Sun.

Tour ... the boys continued the South African leg of their “On The Road Again” tour after Zayn’s departure.

In the interview, the band revealed how they plan to continue on as a four-piece band, as well as the emotional feelings they experienced when the news broke.

Payne admitted it was tough accepting Zayn’s decision.

“It’s been a tough few weeks, probably the toughest since the band was formed five years ago. We’re gutted that Zayn chose to leave, but now after a few performances as a four-piece, we’re feeling confident and are determined to carry on stronger than ever,” he said.

Been a mad few days and your support has been incredible as per usual ! This in turn Spurs us on to make the best music we possibly can

— Niall Horan (@NiallOfficial) March 26, 2015

Been a crazy couple of days but know that we are going to work harder than ever to deliver the best album we've ever made for you guys !

— Louis Tomlinson (@Louis_Tomlinson) March 26, 2015

I can see a lot of people thanking us for staying but your the real Heros here thanks for not thinking it's finished

— Liam (@Real_Liam_Payne) March 29, 2015

The same sentiment was echoed by Tomlinson who ensured that “all four of us are 100 per cent committed to staying in One Direction,” and insisting they have “so much more we still want to achieve.”

Since the announcement, all the boys have taken to Twitter thanking all the fans for their love and support.

But it’s rumoured that Styles, 21, took the news quite badly, evident in the lack of Tweets in comparison to his friends.

Shocked ... Harry Styles unable to hold back the tears on stage on Jakarta as the news of his bandmate Zayn Malik's departure from the band One Direction. Picture: Twitter

The singer reportedly said he felt “betrayed” by former band mate and close friend, Malik.

But it’s all about the fans as Horan said, “The fans are amazing. They are so loyal. All we want to do is make them proud and return their faith in us with a brilliant tour and an amazing new album.”

History ... One Direction became Two Directions after Zayn Malik announced his was leaving the band after five years. Picture: John Shearer/Invision

The boys recently wrapped up the South African leg of their On The Road Again Tour, which Tomlinson fondly called “some of the biggest the country has ever seen.”

And while Styles may not have mentioned Malik, the thought of getting in to the studio was on his the mind.

“It’s very exciting to be working on our fifth album,” he said.

“It shows how incredible the fans have been. A huge thank you to them for everything they’ve done for us. All the love to them.”

Originally published as One Direction speaks out for the first time since Zayn Malik left the band