"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. I guess what I'm really trying to say is it's far from over," Payne wrote on Twitter.

One Direction
One Direction (L-R): Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, Liam Payne, Louis Tomlinson and Harry Styles.

Read More: One Direction Fans Fear For Boyband's Future After Zayn Malik Is Signed Off Tour.

"When we very 1st [sic] 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 [sic] faith in us I'm sure there's a lot more to come."

Horan did not directly refer to Malik's departure but thanked fans for their "incredible" support over the past few "mad days". "This [support] in turn spurs us on to make the best music we possibly can," Horan added whilst posting on Twitter. 

Tomlinson echoed Horan, thanking fans for their support and promising they would continue making the sort of music the fans love. "Your support has been incredible, truly incredible so thank you so much!" Tomlinson wrote. 

"Been a crazy couple of days but know that we are going to work harder than ever to deliver the best album we've ever made for you guys!"

Styles' message was far less direct but he kept it simple, tweeting: "All love as always, H."

Read More: Zayn Malik "Signed Off With Stress", Taking A Break From One Direction Tour.