article_snippet: (CNN)Former One Direction member Zayn Malik spoke for the first time since leaving The band this week -- and said Zayn Malik's sorry for the pain Zayn Malik's caused.
article_snippet: I feel like I've let the fans down, but I can't do this anymore," Zayn Malik told the UK's outlet The Sun.
article_snippet: Zayn Malik said that Zayn Malik had been feeling uncomfortable in recent months and that Zayn Malik departure was best for everyone concerned.
article_snippet: But now, Zayn Malik added, "I've never felt more in control in my life.
article_snippet: iReport: Fan says 'We need Zayn' Zayn Malik's getting along fine with the other members of the band, Zayn Malik observed.
article_snippet: According to Us magazine, Malik has started working on a solo project.
article_snippet: the band's announcement Wednesday that Malik was leaving caused mass disbelief among fans all over the world, with many taking to the Internet to express the Internet sadness and devastation.
highlights_snippet: Zayn Malik says that being in One Direction was "not the real me"
  Zayn Malik told the UK's Sun that Zayn Malik feels "like I'm doing what's right"
  
highlights_snippet: The band announced Wednesday that Zayn Malik was leaving .