Zayn Malik shares 'regret' of butting heads with 'headstrong' Liam Payne as he breaks silence

Former One Direction star Zayne Malik has shared his 'regret' over butting heads with Liam Payne while in the band following the star's tragic and sudden death earlier this week

Former One Direction star Zayn Malik has broken his silence after news emerged of his bandmate, Liam Payne's tragic and sudden death earlier this week.

In a tribute post to the singer, 31, who has left behind his parents and son Bear, who he shares with Cheryl Tweedy, Zayn spoke about his regret over being at loggerheads with the star. According to the father of one, the pair engaged in heated discussions as Liam was known to be "opinionated" and "gave no f***s about telling people when they were wrong."

But now in hindsight, Zayn regrets those moments. In his emotional tribute Zayn mentioned: "When I was missing home as a 17 yr old kid you would always be there with a positive outlook and reassuring smile and let me know you were my friend and that I was loved. Even though you were younger than me you were always more sensible than me, you were headstrong, opinionated, and gave no f***s about telling people when they were wrong."

He added: "Even though we butted heads because of this a few times, I always secretly respected you for it. When it came to the music Liam, you were the most qualified in every sense. I knew nothing in comparison,l was a novice child with no experience and you were already a professional."

Zayn decided to pursue a solo career in 2015 and went on achieve a number of hits including Pillowtalk. And according to reports, he became the first British male artist to debut at number one in both the UK and America with his debit single and album.

But remembering his time with Liam and the band, he started his tribute off by saying: "Liam, I have found myself talking out loud to you, hoping you can hear me, I can't help but think selfishly that there was so many more conversations for us to have in our lives. I never got to thank you for supporting me through some of the most difficult times in my life."

A flood of tributes have come in on social media on the back of news of Liam's passing. The star had fallen from the third floor balcony of his hotel room, while in Argentina on holiday. His body was found in the hotel courtyard by staff and medics rushed to save the star.

Kiss presenter Marvin Humes was one of many who paid tribute to the singer. While on the show he said: "Personally, you know, devastating news. I first met Liam back in 2008 auditions for The X Factor, and we just instantly clicked. You know, we kind of took him under our wing and always joked that he was like the fifth member of the band, and we just got on so well."

He continued: "Unfortunately, didn't work out for him that year. And I remember putting arm around him and saying 'You're so talented, mate, you're only 14 years old. It's gonna work out for you. Just come back and try again'. And he did two years later, re-auditioned, and then One Direction were born, and the rest is history, they went on to be one of the biggest bands of all time. And I'm super proud of Liam and what he achieved and what the boys have achieved. "

He then went on to say: "My thoughts and condolences are with Liam's family, his friends, with Cheryl and Bear his son, of course, and his One Direction bandmates you know they've they've lost their brother as well. I sort of take comfort in the fact that Liam, really, you know, achieved his dreams, beyond his wildest dreams and had an incredible career and I'm super proud of him for that."

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