Yaya Toure admits sibling rivalry has been pushed to the limits after brother Kolo’s Liverpool side let a three-goal lead slip last night against Crystal Palace.
The 3-3 result means City sit just one point behind the Reds with a game in hand ahead of their Aston Villa clash at the Etihad on Wednesday.
The Citizens had put pressure on the Merseyside club after they rounded out 3-2 winners on Saturday against Everton.
City had to recover after going behind from Ross Barkley’s early wonder strike but goals from Sergio Aguero and two from Edin Dzeko made sure they secured three points.
The tension between the two title challengers has caused friction between the brothers, who were team mates at the Etihad and were part of City’s last-gasp league win in 2012.
A move by older brother Kolo to Anfield this summer has complicated relations as the teams have been locked in an intense battle all season.
However, City now know the trophy is theirs if they win their last two games and Toure will be more relieved than most when it’s all over.
“Oh yes, it’s been really difficult. You can’t imagine how difficult,” the 30-year-old said.
“Your family have to try to be balanced – they are divided. Sport is unbelievable in that it can break hearts.
“If it is my brother who wins it I would still be happy for him. It would be amazing for him, but whatever I’m doing I always try to win.
“I’ve always been the same. I will only lose if someone is better than us.”
Although the title appears to be theirs to lose, City are well aware of final day drama having secured the 2012 Premier League title in the dying seconds against QPR.
Playing against West Ham on the last day, Toure is taking nothing for granted and wants the game wrapped up well before the final whistle.
“We know at this club how important goal difference is… but I don’t want to live through something like that again,” he added.
“We had QPR at home when it was almost too much for my heart. Going right to the last minute – it was unbelievable.
“I think the supporters would say, like me, that we don’t want to live through that again. I hope this time, in these two games, we can make a difference earlier and get the wins early.”
Image courtesy of BBC, via Youtube, with thanks
