HERITIERLumumba says Paul Roos’ wife Tami played a big part in him making the decisionto join Melbourne.  

Theboom recruit spoke publicly for the first time on Friday, since he crossed fromCollingwood during last month’s trade period.

Lumumba,who played 199 matches for the Magpies, including the 2010 premiership, saidafter initially meeting Roos and then spending further time with the coach athis house, he was convinced that he wanted to play under him.

“Ialways looked at him and thought I’d love to be coached by him. He’s a classyperson … and it was [Roos’ wife] Tami who got me over the line,” he said atAAMI Park.

Lumumbasaid the way Roos interacted with his sons – Dylan and Tyler – convinced himthat he wanted to play at Melbourne.

Andhe added that Roos’ wife Tami was pivotal in his initial talks to don the redand blue.

Lumumba,who has been at the club for a week, said it was “quite weird” pulling up inthe same car park as the one he did when he played at Collingwood, yet was nowtraining “100 metres down the road”.

Buthe said he had relished his first week at his new club.

“I’mreally impressed,” he said.

“It’s a real refreshing start … I’m reallygrateful.”