Gigi Hadid believes her boyfriend Zayn Malik has learned much more about himself through the release of his solo album. The star has since gone through various experiences – including multiple social anxiety episodes while in concert – but these have only helped him mature.

She explained to People magazine: “I think that he really deserves recognition for the music that he made this year. It’s been amazing to kind of see him learn about himself and the music that makes him really happy to sing.”

The 21-year-old model had previously admitted to be a big fan of his work, adding: “I grew up in a household where my stepdad was a classical musical producer – Andrea Bocelli, Josh Groban – that was the music I was into. I think we can all name a One Direction song that we like. Or maybe not. I love Zayn Malik solo a lot more!”

Meanwhile, the singer recently discussed the reasons for leaving One Direction, which prevented him from experimenting creatively while in the band.

He explained: “There was never any room for me to experiment creatively in the band. If I would sing a hook or a verse slightly R&B, or slightly myself, it would always be recorded 50 times until there was a straight version that was pop, generic as f**k, so they could use that version.

Whenever I would suggest something, it was like it didn’t fit us. There was just a general conception that the management already had of what they want for the band, and I just wasn’t convinced with what we were selling.”