ASUNCION, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- Paraguay parted ways with Colombian coach Juan Carlos Osorio, just five months after he took charge of the South American team, the Paraguayan Football Association (APF) said on Wednesday.

Speculation had been rife about the 57-year-old's future since late last year, when he publicly expressed interest in Colombia's then-vacant head coaching role.

"I'm here to let everyone know that by mutual agreement with the APF and for family reasons, unfortunately, I can not continue in the position as Paraguay's national coach," Osorio told a news conference.

APF President Robert Harrison said the decision was made earlier on Wednesday following the talks between Osorio and APF officials.

Harrison added that the search for a new manager would begin "tomorrow".

Osorio, who replaced Francisco Arce after Paraguay's failure to qualify for last year's World Cup, joined the Albirroja just weeks after guiding Mexico to the last 16 of football's showpiece tournament in Russia. He did not coach Paraguay in an official match.

Paraguay's next fixtures will be against Peru in New Jersey on March 22 and Mexico in Santa Clara four days later. The team's next major tournament will be the Copa America in Brazil, which starts on June 14.

The Albirroja have been drawn in Group B of the continental tournament alongside Argentina, Colombia and Qatar.