THE SIDELINES : Maradona Says He Will Retire

ROME —  Diego Maradona, one of the world’s top soccer players, said today he is retiring at the end of the year.

The 30-year-old Argentine, who plays for Naples in the Italian league, made his announcement at Rome’s international airport after returning from Argentina.

He went to Buenos Aires earlier this week to visit his ailing father.

“It’s a choice for life. I retire from soccer at the end of this year,” Maradona said.

He did not elaborate and left for Naples to rejoin the team for Sunday’s major-league game against Bologna.

Last week, Maradona was fined $70,000 by the league’s disciplinary commission on the request of his team, for missing a Cup of Italy game and team practice.

Maradona’s contract with Napoli--worth $2-million a year--expires in 1993.