The following is a statement from Essendon coach James Hird:

Today I attended an interview with the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority and the AFL Integrity Officers.

At the interview I fully co-operated and truthfully answered every question that was put to me by the investigators.

I will not do anything to impede the ASADA and AFL investigation and will continue to co-operate fully.

This includes maintaining the confidentiality of the interview. This is incumbent upon all parties present at the ASADA and AFL investigation so as to not pollute the process.

I welcomed the opportunity to tell the truth today.