Yaya Toure refuses to believe the title race is over, and praises the impetus provided by City fans.

Hopes of retaining the Premier League rest on clawing back a 15 point deficit at the top from Manchester United, and the Ivorian powerhouse isn’t ready to give up yet.

“The game against Southampton was quite bad and we were losing, but the fans continued to cheer. Their chanting was quite unbelievable,” he said.

“For those guys we would never stop and we will continue to fight. In this sport you never know what will happen in the future. I think 12 games is a long time and we will get a chance.”

Yaya

Yaya admits the Blues have found the Premier League a trickier task this term: “Last year we were Champions and we knew that this year was going to be difficult for us, because every team is going to come to the Etihad Stadium and make us work hard. 

“All the big sportsmen want to win every game, but in football you have to be realistic.

“The most important thing is you have to be at 100% because all the teams that come and play against you are going to be at 120% and we showed that on Sunday against Leeds.

“There was a lot of tension after Southampton but I think on Sunday we delivered. We have to continue like that and try to perform.

 “I think Chelsea will come and make life difficult for us. Chelsea are a top team and a great club, and we know it will be tough.”

The midfielder also paid tribute to the fans in fuelling his desire to remain with the Blues long term.

Yaya Toure

“For a long time I want to give all to this club. It is quite strange because all my career I have been, I think at most three years at the same club. But here it is different,” he said.

“To be honest I think it’s because of the fans. To hear them singing your name every week, and when  you see them in the street they are very interested, they ask you what is happening. They are very close to the club and for me it is very good. I feel like I’m home because the people always try and help us. It is unbelievable.”