Simplify the following text for a Grade 5 native English-speaking person.
Original: Ã ric Sylvain Abidal ( born 11 September 1979 ) is a French footballer of Martiniquan descent who currently plays as a left or central defender for FC Barcelona and the French national team .
Simplified: Ã ric Abidal ( born 11 September 1979 ) is a French football player . He plays for Barcelona and France national team .