The 24-year-old singer, who is married to British television star Kerry Katona, assured fans that the split was amicable. He insisted that bandmates Kian Egan, Nicky Byrne, Shane Filan and Mark Herlihy were his four best friends, and that his departure had nothing to with any dissention in the ranks.
?It?s to do with me,? he told reporters at the Four Season Hotel.
One of McFadden?s goals is to spend more time with his wife and children, Molly, 3, and Lily Sue, 1.
?I just feel it?s the right time to concentrate on my family and [on] being at home as much as I can,? he said. ?It?s hard to juggle two lives.?
Westlife emerged on the Irish music scene in 1999, under the guidance of Louis Walsh. He molded them in the image of his other act, the Irish pop phenomenon Boyzone. Over the next five years, Westlife notched 12 No. 1 singles on the UK charts, and sold 30 million records. Though they are a huge draw in Europe and Asia, the band was unsuccessful in its repeated attempts to break into the American music scene.
McFadden?s departure comes on the eve of the band?s upcoming world tour, which will include 70 shows in Europe and Southeast Asia. The band will continue as a quartet.
In a message addressed to their fans, posted on the band?s official Web site, the remaining members write that, while they are ?devastated? by Bryan?s departure, they have come to terms with it, and are giving him their full support. Thanking fans for their loyalty, Westlife reminded them that their support was needed ?at this time more than ever.?
At the press conference, a tearful Egan read a letter from the band to McFadden.
?We have shared our dreams,? he read. ?We understand and respect your decision. From the bottom of our hearts, we love you.?