Sinisa Mihajlovic has parted company with Catania after just six months in charge of the Sicilian club.

Mihajlovic succeeded Gianluca Atzori back in December and kept underdogs Catania in Italy's top flight this season. The Serbian coach has been strongly linked with a move to either Inter Milan, where Jose Mourinho is on his way out, or Fiorentina, with Cesare Prandelli expected to be appointed coach of Italy after the FIFA World Cup™.

A statement from Mihajlovic published on Catania's official website read: "In recent days I have had to take a hard professional decision. Only thanks to the understanding and availability of Catania president (Antonino Pulvirenti), have I been able to take such decision.

"Having requested my departure, he (Pulvirenti) has said to me, 'Thanks Sinisa for what you have given us this season. We have met a fine person and you will remain in our hearts. We believe it is right that you continue with your professional ambition elsewhere.' This is incredible! It's one of the best messages of affection I have received in my life. One thousand thank yous Catania."

Mihajlovic, a former Inter defender, appears to be among the leading names mentioned as a successor to Mourinho, who is expected to take charge of Real Madrid. The 41-year-old Mihajlovic has not confirmed his future destination.

"I hope to find a new place to work in order to explain this decision and feed my professional ambition," he said. "I would like to return to Catania as a loyal rival just as all of you have been loyal with me."