Liam Payne’s body flown back to UK 3 weeks after his death

“I am completely devastated by the passing of my amazing friend, Liam,” Niall wrote in a lengthy Instagram statement. “It just doesn’t feel real. Liam had an energy for life and a passion for work that was contagious. He was the smartest in every room and always made everyone feel happy and safe.”

The “Slow Hands” singer went on to reminisce about his time singing alongside Liam in One Direction.

“All the laughs we’ve had over the years, sometimes about the simplest things, keep popping up in my mind through the grief,” Niall added. “We got to live out our wildest dreams together and I will cherish every moment we had forever. The bond and friendship we had doesn’t happen often in a lifetime.”

Niall, who had Liam and his girlfriend Kate Cassidy as guests at his recent concert in Buenos Aires, also detailed what it was like to see his friend for the last time.

“I feel so lucky I got to see him recently,” Niall wrote. “Unfortunately, I didn’t know that after saying goodbye and hugging him that night, I would be saying goodbye forever. It’s heartbreaking. My love and condolences go out to Geoff, Karen, Ruth, Nicola and of course his son Bear. Thank you everything, Payno loves you bro.”