Zayn Malik Looks Glum as He Leaves House, Days After One Direction Exit—See the Photo

The 22-year-old pop star has said he plans to "write and relax and chill"

Suffice it to say, it's been a rough few days for Zayn Malik and his now former One Direction band mates.

The 22-year-old pop star was photographed leaving his home in London on Saturday looking very glum, walking hunched over while carrying a backpack and looking down. A friend carried a guitar case for him.

Malik announced on Wednesday he was leaving the boy band after five years, which followed a short hiatus from the group. Fans literally mourned his departure.

In an interview with The Sun, he explained why he left and denied a rift with remaining band members Louis Tomlinson, Liam Payne, Harry Styles and Niall Horan.

Zayn said he's working on solo music. Shortly after his exit announcement, Malik was seen visiting a recording studio. 

According to Billboard, the singer had signed with Simon Cowell's record company Syco as a member of One Direction and also individually and that a "leaving member clause" in the group's contract offers the label the option to keep Malik as a solo artist.

He told The Sun that wants to "kind of be myself for a bit. I think I'm just going to write and relax and chill." 

 The group has continued their On the Road Again tour without him. They performed in South Africa on Saturday.