<text>  CNNFormer One Direction member Zayn Malik spoke for the first time since leaving the group this week -- and said hes sorry for the pain hes caused. I feel like Ive let the fans down, but I cant do this anymore, he told the UKs outlet The Sun. Its not that Ive turned my back on them or anything, its just that I just cant do that anymore, because its not the real me. He said that he had been feeling uncomfortable in recent months and that his departure was best for everyone concerned. I did try to do something that I wasnt happy doing for a while, for the sake of other peoples happiness, the 22-year-old said. But now, he added, Ive never felt more in control in my life. And I feel like Im doing whats right -- right by myself and right by the boys, so I feel good. iReport: Fan says We need Zayn Hes getting along fine with the other members of the band, he observed. According to Us magazine, Malik has started working on a solo project. One Direction, which also included Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan and Liam Payne, will continue as a foursome. The groups hits include Best Song Ever. The bands announcement Wednesday that Malik was leaving caused mass disbelief among fans all over the world, with many taking to the Internet to express their sadness and devastation. 