Former One Direction singer Zayn Malik [File photo: Baidu.com]

Former One Direction singer Zayn Malik has released his first solo single, less than a week after announcing he quit the band.

The acoustic ballad titled "I Won't Mind," was produced by UK producer Naughty Boy.

The soulful, stripped back tune is thought to be the launch of Malik's solo career, which coincides with an interview he gave saying he planned to "write, relax, and chill" now that he is on his own.

One Direction fans were left devastated last week after Malik said he would be leaving the group.