Zayn Malik has signed to RCA Records

In a message on Twitter, he captioned a photograph of him signing a record deal: "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)"

Meanwhile, it was recently revealed Zayn had been dropped from Simon Cowell's Syco record label, which he was under throughout his time in One Direction.

A source said at the time: "It's a big move for Simon because Zayn could have a very successful solo career but his priority absolutely remains the band and this is a big statement on his part. Simon has set up a deal that suits Zayn and One Direction. Zayn will stay in the Sony family under a different label and it's totally with Simon Cowell's blessing.

"It was just felt to be a bit difficult to have 1D and Zayn on the same label - and everyone felt it was better for him to be somewhere different. Since leaving the band, Zayn has changed management and lawyers so it would kind of make sense for him to work with a new label team."