Ed Sheeran on Zayn: 'Being a normal 22-year-old isn't as fun as being in the band'

British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran has given his opinion on Zayn Malik's shocking decision to quit one direction and had some fun with his perspective.

During a new interview with Australia's Dan and Maz, the 'Thinking Out Loud' sensation explained that he agrees with stepping out of a situation that's not making you happy, but believes that living a 'normal' life is considerably less exciting than being in one of the world's biggest pop groups:

"Fair play to him, let him be happy."

Sheeran went onto add that it'll probably be tough for Malik to live a quiet life now that he has been a part of 1D: "If he's not happy... then... but also being a normal 22-year-old's pretty boring [...] All I'm saying is, being a normal 22-year-old probably isn't as fun as being in One Direction - just saying!"

Earlier this week, the hitmaker teased that he might be heading into the studio soon with friend and previous collaborator Taylor Swift. Sheeran told pupils at the The Redcliffs School in Christchurch, New Zealand that they have plans to work together on the horizon.

Watch the footage below: