Reddit AMA: Dzeko becomes first player to take part

In something of a first for the club, the player and the football 'sub-reddit' (r/soccer) on the forum, Dzeko spent around an hour with fans, answering questions about topics ranging from his football career to date to more personal matters.

The event was a notable success, with almost 2,500 questions and comments submitted even before Dzeko sat down. At the time of writing almost 250,000 people have read the contents of the AMA.

Click here to read the full AMA on the forum.

Here is a selection of some of the Bosnian striker's answers...

What's your favourite goal you've scored? I personally loved THAT volley against Chelsea but I think the goal for Man City against QPR is underappreciated. Forza Roma!

"I think that one against Chelsea was probably the most beautiful... but my favourite was my first goal for the national team, on my debut against Turkey. It was a good goal, a half-volley into the top corner... just to play for my country was a dream come true, but to score a goal as well was incredible."

Having played with a number of great attackers over the years like Totti, Agüero, Salah, Grafite - whose presence on the field do you feel had the most positive impact on you?

"In my career I've definitely been lucky to play alongside so many great forwards, great strikers. At Manchester City we always had four great strikers. Of course there was Aguero, who was just always, always scoring goals - but Jovetic, Tevez, Balotelli, Negredo... these were all quality forwards.

"Then I came to Roma, where Totti was perhaps playing more as a No. 10 - and as I've always said it was just a shame we didn't play together earlier in his career, as I know I would have scored so many goals with his vision and ability. But I also played for two years alongside Mo Salah, who was just a great partner to have with his speed and ability. Now we have Cengiz and Schick, who I am sure will keep improving and reach the highest level.

"As you guys have mentioned, at Wolfsburg I had a great partnership with Grafite and Mandzukic, we worked well together. I've really been lucky to play with some many great strikers - they all had their own strengths and I learned a lot with them."

Hi Edin, I was wondering about the use of language in football due to the many different nationalities in many current teams. You played for a variety of clubs in different countries and I would like to know how players, coaches, referees etc. communicate with each other on the pitch, what language do they use?

For example, I imagine referees in national leagues just speak the language of the country, but what about Champions League, Europa League and international football? Is there a lingua franca?

"Yes, as you say, in Italy the referees speak Italian and that's how we converse. In the changing rooms before games and at half-time, at Roma we have a guy who translates the Italians for those who don't understand it - as there isn't much time he usually speaks in English, although one-to-one he can speak with all the guys in their language.

"In Europe, really it can depend a bit on the referee or the opposition team but usually English is the 'common' language that everyone uses to make their point. But it depends a bit on the circumstances."

At what point during your championship season with Wolfsburg did you think: Hey we can actually win this whole thing? Also, what do you think about Grafite and what do you think about your chemistry with him?

"When we beat Bayern Munich 5-1. That was the moment. We had won something like 10 games in a row, and at that point we knew we were a good side. Me and Grafite were a great striking partnership, and behind us we had one of the best No. 10s I ever played with in Zvjezdan Misimovic. But we were a complete team, with great players everywhere."

To all of us sitting at home and watching football, the life of a footballer seems so glamorous. It's like a dream for most of us. What is the flip side that us dreamers seem to miss out on? Do you sometimes worry about life after retirement?

"Well, first of all, I'm not thinking about retirement at all... I've got a good few years left in me yet. But, of course yes, football can be incredibly glamorous and that is what the fans mostly see - but behind that there is a lot of things that go into it for players, some of it hard. Football is not so easy, not like everyone thinks. I know people often think about the money, but we all started because we love the game and we wanted to become good at it. And there is pressure and hard work that goes into achieving that."

Hey Edin, Thanks for doing this I am a big fan of yours and AS Roma. So my question is, who is the guy that keeps the spirits of the team high? in other words who is the "class clown"?

"Let's say the biggest clown is Kostas Manolas! 24/7 he is talking, talking... he never stops!"

What is the most memorable way you have used your fame to your personal advantage (ashamedly or unashamedly)?

"Well, let me say I am always ashamed... but sometimes when there is a big queue at a restaurant or a club I use it to get in ahead of them... even if I'm ashamed to look at their faces as I do it..."

There are a lot of talented Bosnian football players, but you are one of few who was born, raised and played in your early football years in Bosnia. As we don't see many players with similar background and career how hard was that for you, what were the biggest obstacles and how did you overcame them? I'm asking this because this could be, in a way, helpful advice for young people all across ex-yugoslavian countries.

"I think the biggest thing was, growing up during the war, we did not have great facilities, great pitches, great opportunities whenever we had the chance to play. So you had to make the most of everything there was, and not worry about the things you did not have, or if the pitches were not good. You made the most of what you had and always had to work hard... and that attitude has always helped me throughout my career too."

What would be your most memorable moments in each of your previous clubs?

"Winning the league with Wolfsburg, last-minute goal to win against QPR with Man City, and with Rome... it's still to come! (but obviously Barcelona was pretty good).

"I've seen some of the questions about that QPR game - honestly, yeah, people always remember the Aguero goal - but that is fine, because without my goal that goal would not have been possible... and with both of them we won the league. So I am fine with that!"

Hi Edin, how do I ask out a girl I know from class?

"Years ago we had to ask in person... now I think you just go on her Instagram! Hahaha... good luck!"

Do you watch football? If so, which leagues are you following?

"I am crazy about football. I follow all the big leagues; sometimes people ask me how I know all the players, from all the leagues. But that's me, I'm all about football!"

Who is the most philosophical teammate you ever had, I like to think there are some great minds in football...

"I would say Vincent Kompany, he is very interested in things beyond football and he would always have books and papers with him in the changing room, on the bus and stuff like that. He was always studying.

"At Roma, on the pitch De Rossi is someone who can always see the game in advance. Kostas thinks he can, but I'm not so sure!"

Hey Edin! What was the easiest language for you to learn considering the array of teams you've played for over the years in different leagues?

"English was the quickest, as I already knew it pretty well even from school. But everywhere I have been, I have tried to learn the language as quickly as possible - both to show respect for the people there, and to make life as easy as possible for me. And I still remember all of them well now."

Hey Eden, should I stick with you in uefa champions league fantasy ?

"First of all... it's EDIN! Secondly, as the fantasy coach you should know... but I am the top scorer right now. So who else would you rather choose!??"