Paris, France -- (Sports Network) - Just one day after losing to Italy in the World Cup final, France midfielder Claude Makelele retired from international football.

The 33-year-old follows in the footsteps of teammate Zinedine Zidane, who also played his final match for Les Bleus on Sunday.

Makelele originally retired from the squad in 2004, but returned a year later. He received 49 caps, but will now concentrate on playing for Chelsea.

In his last match on Sunday, Fabio Grosso converted the final penalty kick in a shootout to give Italy the tournament championship over France.