Zayn opens up about One Direction split: 'We got sick of each other'

July 12: Zayn Malik has revealed the reasons behind his abrupt departure from One Direction in his first interview for six years.

The star quit the band in the middle of their 2015 world tour, initially saying he had taken a break due to "stress".

But speaking to the Call Her Daddy podcast, Zayn said he'd realised the band's days were numbered when other members refused to sign new contracts.

"I knew something was happening, so I just got ahead of the curve," he said.

"I was like, 'I'm just going to get out of here, I think this is done'."

He continued: "I just seen it [coming] and I completely selfishly wanted to be the first person to go and make my own record. If I'm being completely honest with you, I was like, 'I'm going to jump the gun here'.

"I'm a passive dude, but when it comes to my music and my business, I'm serious about it and I'm competitive, so I wanted to be the first to go and do my own thing. That was the reason."

The star added that there were underlying tensions after the band had endured five years of intense fame and scrutiny following their debut on X Factor.

"There was obviously underlying issues within our friendships, too. We'd got sick of each other if I'm being completely honest."

However, he said time had given him more perspective on his boy band days.

(BBC)