article_snippet: he walked away from chart toppers One Direction because, in he own words, he wanted to be a regular 22-year-old.
article_snippet: Going solo: The singer admitted One Direction were 'no longer real' to Simon Cowell's following Simon Cowell's departure from the band .
article_snippet: But, after five years, I feel like it is now the right time for me to leave the band. 
article_snippet: I am leaving because I want to be a normal 22 year old who is able to relax and have some private time out of the spotlight. '
highlights_snippet: Singer announced shock departure from One Direction this week .
  
highlights_snippet: Insisted he was walking away to be 'a normal 22-year-old boy'
  Was seen visiting recording studio just 24-hours later .
  