The Chinese Football Association opted not to renew the 53-year-old's contract following the team's failure to advance to the final round of the World Cup qualifiers.

Petrovic was appointed on a one-year deal last August to replace Zhu Guanghu after China went out in the group stage of the Asian Cup, with Under-23 coach Ratomir Dujkovic designated to work alongside his Serbian compatriot.

But the failure of the national team to negotiate a tough World Cup qualifying group that included Australia, Qatar and Asian Cup holders Iraq resulted in Petrovic's early departure.

Despite China's failure to reach the final round of World Cup qualifiers for a second straight time, Petrovic believes there is still plenty of potential in Chinese football if his successor is given adequate time to work with the team.

"I had limited time and wasn't able to instil my ideas and strategies in the players," he said after having his contract terminated a month early on Friday.

"I hope China can give four years to my successor as he prepares for the 2014 World Cup. I believe he will make a success with enough time.

"Chinese fans are the best fans I've ever seen," the former Red Star Belgrade player added. "I do hope that I will have another chance to coach in China and prove myself."

Some Chinese fans claim the CFA have been concentrating more heavily this year on the preparations of their Under-23 team, who have been set a goal of reaching the semi-finals at the Beijing Olympics.

However, Petrovic believes the focus of the CFA has to be on youth as they attempt to build for the future.

"China should take a bold step to develop more young players in the coming two years," he said.

"Unfortunately, I have to say goodbye to all the kids after we became familiar with each other."

The senior national team will not return to competitive action until January when they face Syria in an Asian Cup qualifying match.

ChinaSuper League side Changsha Ginde are reportedly interested in appointing Petrovic after they dismissed another Serbian coach, Slobodan Santrac, on June 26.