OFFICIAL: Franklin returns to D.C. United

The free agent right back has decided to come back for a fourth season in the nation's capital.

Free agent defender Sean Franklin has re-signed with D.C. United on a multi-year deal, the club announced Monday.

The 31-year-old right back has spent the past three seasons with United, starting 83 of his 86 MLS appearances while earning an All-Star nod in 2014.

"Sean has been an important player for our team over the past three seasons," United general manager Dave Kasper said in a news release. "He has been among the best veteran defenders in the league, and his experience and leadership have been invaluable to us."

A nine-year MLS veteran, Franklin spent his first six seasons with the LA Galaxy before being claimed by United in stage one of the December 2013 re-entry draft.