London, Jul 25 (IANS): Liam Payne thanked Zayn Malik as One Direction celebrated five years together as a group this week.

While Malik quit the group earlier this year, Payne still made a point of acknowledging his part in making them so successful since they were first formed on “The X Factor”, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

“Wowwwww 5 years 5 boys what an amazing journey I couldn't thank you all ever enough and thank you Louis, Niall, Harry and Zayn for everything,” Payne posted on Twitter.

Malik responded by re-tweeting the message for his own followers to see and writing "thanks bro".

Another band member Niall Horan also celebrated the anniversary, taking to Twitter to thank fans.

He wrote: "5 years, literally sitting down talking about last night. Insane! I remember the day we were out together like it was yesterday!

Harry Styles wrote an emotional message, tweeting: "We have been a band for five years. And it is impossible to thank anyone enough for all the support they have given us over this time.

Louis Tomlinson tweeted: "Every single day we are thankful for the platform that you incredible people gave us. What an amazing 5 years it's been!!