Zayn Malik has shared an emotional tribute to Liam Payne, following the heartbreaking news of his passing at just 31 years old. Alongside a nostalgic picture of the two together, Malik, who was part of One Direction with Payne, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, and Niall Horan, posted a touching message on Instagram with the caption, “Love you bro.”
In his heartfelt note, Zayn expressed:
“Liam, I’ve found myself speaking out loud to you, hoping somehow you can hear me. I can’t stop thinking selfishly about how many more conversations we were supposed to have. I never had the chance to properly thank you for being there for me during some of the hardest moments of my life.
“When I was a homesick 17-year-old kid, you were always there, with your positive energy and reassuring smile, reminding me that I wasn’t alone and that I was loved. You were younger than me, but you were always wiser, more grounded. You weren’t afraid to speak your mind and call out what needed to be said, and though we clashed because of that sometimes, I always secretly respected you for it.
“When it came to music, you were the expert, Liam. I felt like a novice, a kid with no real experience, while you were already a professional. On stage, no matter what, we always counted on you to steer us in the right direction.
“I lost a brother when you left us. Words can’t describe how much I’d give to hug you one more time, to say goodbye properly, and to let you know how much I loved and respected you. I’ll carry all the memories we shared in my heart forever.
“There are no words that can truly capture how I feel right now, other than utterly devastated. Wherever you are, I hope you’ve found peace and that you know just how loved you are.
“Love you, bro.”
Liam tragically passed after a fall from the third floor of a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where he sustained injuries that were ultimately fatal.
