Agree with captjns. Better to request it from clearance delivery, together with the initial call.
Try something like
"Delivery, FDX1234, morning, ready to copy, and we need 18C today"
Sometimes in Europe, changing the runway will change your SID and the initial clearance altogether, so it's better to do it early.
Then, if GRD doesn't mention it, ask again. Then the "(off frequency) SHEITE!" will be directed at the delivery controlled who forgot to pass on the request.