Liam Payne laments Zayn’s 1D departure

One Direction's Liam Payne admits Zayn Malik's departure is "the worst".

Zayn officially left the boy band on Wednesday after dropping out of their On the Road Again Tour.

And former bandmate Liam has shared his thoughts on the impact of Zayn's exit from the group.

"In light of recent events I think this is important to say. For the past five years now I've been part of something so special I don't think any of us really understand, something that can mean the world to people and put a smile on the face of our fans even in the darkest times," Liam wrote in a lengthy Twitter post linked to his TwitLong account. "To a lot of people it's just a bunch of silly kids in a band but to the people involved it means so much more. This last week has been some of the worst times, possibly the worst it's something we are all deeply saddened by."

Liam is most upset over not being able to perform with Zayn anymore.

But he believes the group, which is also comprised Harry Styles, Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson, will maintain strong friendships.

"It's sad to think for the time being we won't grace the stage as five bros or have the same fun on a tour bus or laughs in a hotel together that we have over the years but I'm super sure us and zayn will always remain the closest friends (sic)," Liam wrote. "I guess what I'm really trying to say is it's far from over. When we very 1st became successful we all agreed that one direction had become much bigger than each individual member that's why I feel like right now it's ok to be sad and upset but I do ask everyone who is a fan of us to please keep ur faith in us I'm sure there's a lot more to come all love. (sic)"