By James Copnall BBC Sport Online

Ivory Coast international Kolo Toure has spoken of his disappointment at the fighting that is ravaging his country.

The Arsenal star has been in fine form in recent weeks, but at the moment the situation in his homeland is uppermost in his thoughts.

"There are some bad people in Africa," Toure told BBC Sport Online.

"Some people want to take power, but the problem seems to have calmed down."

Toure, who joined Arsenal after the 2002 Nations' Cup, is in constant contact with the folks back home.

"I call my family every day, and they tell me not to worry.

"Of course, I am worried, but I came here to play football.

"All my family live in the capital, and it is better to live there, because outside there are many, many problems at the moment."

The squads of three national teams were caught up in the violence and forced to stay in a hotel until being rescued on Friday by French troops.

Toure added that he hoped that by breaking into the Arsenal side he can help his countrymen through some difficult times.

"It is good for me to play well because we have problems in the country.

"If people see Kolo in the Champions' League it is good for morale and the image of the country."