Arsenal legend launches passionate defence of key Gunners star and urges him to stay

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Former Arsenal forward Thierry Henry has thrown his full support behind Mesut Ozil and has urged him to stay with the Gunners for the long haul.

Ozil’s contract expires in 2018, and with on-going delays over an extension, it remains to be seen where his long-term future lies.

Henry though is in no doubt as to what the Gunners should do, as he wants to see the German international remain in north London and has praised not only his undeniable quality, but what he can do for Arsenal between now and the end of the season to end their wait for a Premier League title.

“I would’ve loved to have played in the same team as him on a Saturday,” the Arsenal legend told The Sun. “He can adapt to any striker and play to their strengths.

“People don’t understand how good he is. People get confused with thinking he’s lazy or doesn’t care. Nothing could be further from the truth.”

Henry won countless trophies during his time with Arsenal as he fired his way to the top of the club’s goalscorer’s charts to cement his place as a legend with the Gunners faithful.

In turn, he knows better than most what it would mean if the current crop of stars delivered a title this season, and believes that the time is right given the maturity and experience in the current squad to chase down Chelsea and finish top of the pile.

Ozil is central to that according to the Frenchman, as although the playmaker has received criticism this season for not turning up in big games, most notably in defeats to Everton and Manchester City in December, Henry believes that along with Alexis Sanchez, the pair are key to dragging Arsenal to silverware.

“I’d urge him to stay and become an Arsenal legend,” he added. “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.”

It’s questionable as to how many Arsenal supporters share Henry’s views this season, as they remain eight points adrift of league leaders Chelsea.

If Arsene Wenger’s men can put a run together though, they would certainly keep the pressure on and they’ll have to hope that their city rivals slip up along the way.

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