Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure says his side can retain the Premier League title, despite trailing Manchester United by nine points.
The Manchester rivals are yet to lose a game in 2013, but Toure's return from the African Cup of Nations comes as a welcome boost to City fans after they fell further behind in the title race during his time away.
The champions have dropped points against QPR and Liverpool, and although they were unbeaten during Toure's time away, the 29-year-old admitted they will need to work hard if they are to retain their title.
"We are further behind than we'd like, of course, but all we need to do is think about last season to know what is possible," Toure told the club's official website.
"United have a strong squad and on paper, they have an easier run in than we do but the title race is a long way from finished. It only takes a couple of results to go our way and we're right back in it - I'm sure we'll come back."
Toure has been linked with a move away from the Etihad Stadium, with former club Barcelona said to be one of the teams interesting in the signing the Ivory Coast international.
However, the City vice-captain has other ideas, insisting he has no plans to leave his 'home' in Manchester, and remains focused on helping the club in the title race.
"My friends are all here and are happy to see me and we are like a family or brothers who will all fight together - and that is a very important thing to have," he said.
"I feel like I'm home again and I met some City fans before my flight from Paris to Manchester and they said 'welcome home, Yaya' and they said they wanted me to help the team and bring happiness to our supporters. That's what I aim to do."
