I am not sure this is 100% correct. It is subjective but what is a real chance, by definition. Is it a run of 10 games starting, 20 games starting, etc.
In my opinion he got enough of a chance to impress and stay in the team/at the club, but it didn't happen, whether that was down to the managers tactics, his talent or attitude, that is the debate. I don't think we can categorically say he did not get 'real' chance, as a fact. In reality it was a mixture of the first and last of those points, there is no doubting that he could play football.