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Zayn Malik Says He Left One Direction to Make ‘Real Music'

Just over four months after Zayn Malik announced his decision to leave One Direction, the 22-year-old musician is revealing the real reason why he parted ways with the group.

"I guess I never explained why I left , it was for this moment to be given the opportunity to show you who i really am! #realmusic #RCA !!" the English singer wrote on Twitter Wednesday. He also tweeted a photo of himself signing a contract, announcing his decision to team up with RCA Records.

"#REALME," he wrote on Twitter after sharing his new venture with his 15.1 million followers.

PHOTOS: Twitter reacts to Zayn Malik leaving One Direction

In a statement released in March, Malik sang a very different tune when it came to parting ways with former bandmates Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson and Liam Payne.

"I'd like to apologize to the fans if I've let anyone down, but I have to do what feels right in my heart. 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," he said at the time (many fans also blamed his fiancee Perrie Edwards).

Shortly after, he was spotted hanging out with producer Naughty Boy in the studio, sparking speculation, which was later confirmed, that he's launching a solo career.

No word yet what the remaining 1-D members, whom Zayn previously called his "four friends for life," think of Malik's bold move, but we're willing to bet they're a bit taken aback.

"Sometimes you have to move on because you're not enjoying what you're doing as much as you used to," Payne said in May when asked why Zayn left the band. "He wanted to spend time with his family and his missus. That's cool with us."

PHOTOS: See the hottest 1D pics

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