Zayn Malik has thought about quitting one Direction for about a year before the alleged cheating scandal unfolded.

According to close friend, Oritse Wiliams, Perrie Edwards' fiancé has talked to him about a year ago while they were in Las Vegas where the One Direction hottie suggested about quitting the band, said Daily Mirror.

Williams then told Zayn Malik that he should stay true to himself and pursue his dreams, even if that meant he would have to leave behind the rest of the boys.

He said, "Zayn spoke to me when we were together in Vegas last year. Niall did too. Zayn was talking to me in confidence. I told him he had a great run and to enjoy it. They are very, very blessed guys.

"It's a very special thing and not a lot of artists show gratitude for that," Williams added. "But I told him to be himself and to keep going."

It was widely accepted that Zayn Malik's quitting the band was a result of the bad press he got when he allegedly cheated on Little Mix star Perrie Edwards star with a blonde woman, which threatened their engagement

Zayn Malik initially apologized on Twitter where he wrote. "I'm 22 years old... I love a girl named Perrie Edwards. And there's a lot of jealous fucks in this world I'm sorry for what it looks like x."

Zayn Malik eventually quit One Direction as he said in a statement, "My life with One Direction has been more than I could ever have imagined. But, after five years, I feel like it is now the right time for me to leave the band."

"I'd like to apologise to the fans if I've let anyone down, but I have to do what feels right in my heart. I am leaving because I want to be a normal 22-year-old who is able to relax and have some private time out of the spotlight."

Zayn Malik and Perrie Edwards are still very much engaged.