WASHINGTON — Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger gave Steelers fans the Christmas message they longed to hear, vowing to return "stronger and better than ever" in 2020.

The NFL veteran was injured in the second game of the season against the Seattle Seahawks, undergoing elbow surgery that ended his 2019 campaign.

An ESPN report this week hinted that 37-year-old Roethlisberger had doubts about returning in 2020 — news that Roethlisberger refuted via social media on Wednesday.

After wishing his Twitter followers merry Christmas, he added: "P.S. Contrary to recent reports out there about my football future and my 'uncertainty' about playing again, I am working hard and am more determined than ever to come back stronger and better than ever next year!"

Roethlisberger told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette this year that he expects to be ready for training camp. — AFP