As Directioners all over the world continue to grieve over Zayn Malik's departure from One Direction, it has been revealed that the singer had been crying during his last performance with his former bandmates.
Looked like he knew that concert marked the end of his time with the world's most popular boyband.
"The footage, taken at the Hong Kong concert on March 18, shows Zayn with tears welling in his eyes as he sings," MailOnline said.
Meanwhile, a number of reviews of the British pop sensation's Hong Kong stopover noted Zayn's lackluster expression.
"Zayn looked tired," said YoungPost's Melanie Leung.
"Malik, famous for hitting the high notes, seemed 'apathetic' and 'struggled to smile even once,'" a reviewer for the South China Morning Post reportedly observed. The rest of the boyes, however "were charming and engaged with the crowd."
It can be recalled that it was after the Hong Kong concert that it was announced the 22-year-old left the group and headed home to rest from "stress." Days later, he told the world he was leaving the band for good.
"My life with One Direction has been more than I could ever have imagined. But, after five years, I feel like it is now the right time for me to leave the band. I'd like to apologise to the fans if I've let anyone down, but I have to do what feels right in my heart," he had said in a statement, as noted by The Guardian.
"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," the statement went on. "I know I have four friends for life in Louis, Liam, Harry and Niall. I know they will continue to be the best band in the world."
Meanwhile, his former bandmates released their own statement in response to Zayn's departure, saying that they respect his decision.
"The past five years have been beyond amazing, we've gone through so much together, so we will always be friends," the group said. "The four of us will now continue. We're looking forward to recording the new album and seeing all the fans on the next stage of the world tour."
Simon Cowell, the band's manager and discoverer, also sent his well wishes to the young singer.
"Since I first met Zayn in 2010, I have grown very, very fond - and immensely proud - of him. I have seen him grow in confidence and I am truly sorry to see him leave. As for One Direction, fans can rest assured that Niall, Liam, Harry and Louis are hugely excited about the future of the band," the producer-star-maker said.
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