Manchester City midfielder David Silva has opened up about his difficult time off the pitch, but has revealed how the title race has taken his mind off things.

The 32-year-old Spaniard has been instrumental in keeping his team well above their Premier League rivals, scoring both goals in Monday's 2-0 win over Stoke City to keep Pep Guardiola's side 16 points ahead of Manchester United at the top of the table.

However, Silva has been going through a difficult time outside of football, only recently returning after being granted leave following the premature birth of his son Mateo in December.

"When I play football I forget everything," Silva told reporters. "It's good for me to play. I know in my private life it is not a very happy moment, but my son is fighting. I am very happy because he is getting stronger, getting better, so it is ok"

City need just two more wins to clinch the title, and should they get past Everton, they could have a chance to achieve this against their bitter city rivals United in front of a home crowd.

"Everybody in the blue side of Manchester knows that is a once in a lifetime opportunity but steady, it won't be handed to us," Silva added.

"Every win brings you closer to your goal but we want to keep this standard until the end of the season and into the next season too."

City play Everton away at the end of the month, before competing in the Manchester derby in early April.