Zayn Malik Says One Direction Was an 'Incredible Experience': 'I Can Honestly Say I'm Proud'
Zayn Malik may have left One Direction, but he spoke fondly of the band in his new book.
In an excerpt from the "Pillowtalk" singer’s upcoming book, Zayn, which is out Nov. 1, Malik has only nice things to say of his time in the group.
"I got to meet amazing fans, and I can never thank all of them enough for the love and support they gave me during the good times, and the bad," Malik writes, in an excerpt first shared by Teen Vogue.
WATCH: Zayn Malik Shaves His Beard and Fans Go Crazy!
"I can honestly say I’m proud of a lot of stuff from the One Direction days," the 23-year-old adds. "I’m not sure people realize that, but I am. I’ve got the memorabilia – the platinum discs we received with every album – all over my house. I have a wall dedicated to displaying them."
"One Direction was an incredible experience in its own right," he continues, "and it’s a part of me, an integral part of my history, and I’m never going to deny that aspect of my life."
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The praise might seem somewhat surprising to some fans, considering in March, Malik admitted he'd only been in contact with one member of One Direction since exiting the group in 2015.
"I'm still probably closest with Liam [Payne]," Malik told NME earlier this year, claiming that his other bandmates haven’t been as open to speaking to him. "I tried to have contact but nobody's reached out. So... whatever.”
Meanwhile, Malik has kept very busy since leaving the band in 2015.
Besides releasing his solo album and a book, it was announced in September that Malik would be executive producing a drama series, Boys, about the turbulent times of a big-time boy band.
WATCH: Gigi Hadid Says She Sings Show Tunes With Zayn Malik - 'He's a Big Goofball'
ET spoke to Malik's former One Direction mentor, Simon Cowell, about the new show, who tentatively offered his blessing.
"Nothing surprises me anymore," he shared in September. "I think he should have come to me with it, if I'm being honest with you."
Watch the video below for more.
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