Toure tormented by City slump

Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure says it is ‘painful’ watching his team-mates beaten while he is absent at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Toure’s final game for the club before linking up with the Ivory Coast squad was a 3-0 demolition of Liverpool on January 4.

Since then, City have been eliminated from both domestic Cup competitions, as well as losing ground in the English Premier League title race with a 1-0 defeat at Everton on Tuesday.

Toure, 28, finds it difficult watching his team lose, but dismissed the apperent coincidence between his departure and City’s dip in form.

“I’ve suffered watching the games on the TV and it’s my natural instinct to help my team-mates,” Toure told the Daily Mirror.

“The defeats have been painful because I wanted to win three titles but I don’t think it’s because of my absence. I’m not indispensable.

“David Silva is the best player in the Premier League. Without doubt, he separates us from United and Chelsea.

“It’s a pleasure to play with him because he’s so impressive. Aguero is also a great player and it feels (like) we are connected.”

Despite his insistence that he is not the best player in Roberto Mancini’s star-studded squad, Toure does feel he has developed since his arrival from La Liga in 2010.

“I left Barcelona to improve as a player and I believe that I have fulfilled my challenge and I am very happy,” he said.