Henry urges Ozil to commit future, become 'Arsenal legend'

Thierry Henry knows a thing or two about what it takes to become an Arsenal legend

The club's all-time leading scorer has called on Mesut Ozil to follow in his footsteps and leave a permanent impression on the club.

But first, the club needs to tie down the Germany international to a long-term contract.

"I'm desperate for him to stay," Henry wrote Saturday in The Sun. "But I understand his predicament. I was in the same situation in 2007 when I joined Barcelona - with a heavy heart. I didn't know Arsene's plans, either, as he was coming to the end of a contract then, too.

"People will say it's all about money for Mesut and that Wenger's contract is a smokescreen. We don't know. We have to trust what he says. Respect it."

Although titles have been hard to come by in an Arsenal strip - with Arsenal winning just two FA Cup trophies since Ozil's arrival in 2013 - Henry is convinced the 28-year-old will get his hands on more silverware if he remains in north London.

"Mesut has won the World Cup with Germany. But at club level, he has only one title, with Real Madrid in 2012. He will be desperate for more.

"But he can do that at the Emirates. That's why I'd urge him to stay and become an Arsenal legend.

"Win that first title. Be the future of Arsenal. Not just the assist man, but the guy who drives the team forward. He can do that with Alexis Sanchez.

"They have to be at the top of their game every single match. They can be those guys. They must believe it. This Arsenal side are not far from winning the title."

Ozil - whose contract, along with Alexis Sanchez's, expires in 2018 - recently quelled doubts over his Arsenal future when he claimed he's "ready" to sign a new contract. However, Ozil added he'd like clarification over Wenger's future as Arsenal gaffer enters the final months of his contract.

- With h/t to ESPNFC