Zayn Malik loves One Direction's new song.

Zayn Malik

Zayn Malik

The band surprised fans by releasing 'Drag Me Down' on iTunes and Spotify worldwide at 6.30am (GMT) on Friday morning (31.07.15), the first song they have released as a four-piece, following the departure of Zayn in March.

And according to HollywoodLife.com: "Zayn actually thinks the song is pretty good. He had a brotherhood with all of them for so long and he knows they are super talented and actually really likes the song. He isn't going to promote it or anything but he is proud of them on how it turned out."

The song will feature on the band's forthcoming fifth studio album which is expected to be released in November.

The release of the surprise single - which is available to buy now - came just a day after former band member Zayn signed a solo record deal and suggested he was never allowed to be himself during his four years in the band.

He tweeted: "I guess I never explained why I left, it was for this moment to be given the opportunity to show you who i really am! #realmusic #RCA !! ... #REALME (sic)."

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