HAMILTON – Andy Fantuz was introduced to the media by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Tuesday, inside the locker room he will soon use on the team’s journey to the 2012 Grey Cup.

“I’m really excited to come home, to play in front of my family and friends and for this great organization,” he said.

“I’ve played in three Grey Cups, and I’m looking forward to take this team to another.”

In a bidding war that was reportedly between Hamilton and the non-import receiver’s former team, the Saskatchewan Roughriders, the Ticats prevailed last Friday morning when they signed the Chatham, Ont. native to a four-year contract that will reportedly pay the 28-year-old $190,000 a season.

“It was a tough decision (to leave Saskatchewan),” Fantuz said. “But the more I thought about it, this is a team that can be successful right away. It has all the right pieces. I’m confident in my decision”

Fantuz was quick to dismiss the notion he left the Riders for a bigger paycheque.

“It definitely wasn’t about the money. It’s about winning championships, the football aspect, Coach Cortez, the fans in the city. It seems like a good fit for me.”

In six seasons in Regina, Fantuz made 289 catches for 4,311 yards and 23 touchdowns. He was named the most valuable Canadian in the Roughriders’ 2007 Grey Cup win, and helped the team to consecutive Grey Cup appearances in 2009 and 2010. He was named most outstanding Canadian in 2010 after making 87 catches for 1,380 yards and six touchdowns.

In 2011, Fantuz was signed by the Chicago Bears, but was released in September, and played only four games because of an ankle injury when he returned to Saskatchewan. With contract negotiations stalling in January, Roughriders general manager Brendan Taman expected Fantuz to test free-agency.

When the market opened last Wednesday, Edmonton, Winnipeg Saskatchewan and Hamilton were all thought to be chasing Fantuz, who happened to be on an island off Africa’s east coast. Blue Bombers general manager Joe Mack felt the former University of Western Ontario player wanted to move east when he spoke to one of Fantuz’s agents last week.

Hamilton owner Bob Young dropped a hint Fantuz was on his way to Hamilton over Twitter early Friday morning, when he posted a tweet featuring Diddy’s song “Coming Home.” Fantuz confirmed the move, also over Twitter, a few hours later.

Beyond the joy of a homecoming, the former Hec Crighton Trophy winner, as Canada’s best university football player, thinks his talents will enhance an already impressive offence, which includes new quarterback Henry Burris, receiver and rookie of the year Chris Williams, and veteran non-import receiver Dave Stala.

• Email: mscianitti@nationalpost.com | Twitter: mscianitti

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