The Atlanta Hawks have confirmed that they will retire Dikembe Mutombo's number 55 jersey before the game against the Boston Celtics on November 24.

Mutombo spent five years with the Hawks between 1996 and 2001, winning three of his four NBA Defensive Player of the Year awards while with the franchise.

Despite his impressive list of achievements, the 49-year-old claims that he was surprised when Hawks CEO Steve Koonin confirmed the decision on Tuesday.

"The most surprising, as you can see from the tears in my eyes, is the announcement that was made," Mutombo told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "It's the most shocking to me.

"I didn't know the Hawks were going to retire my jersey. I can't believe it. It's going to be a great day."

Mutombo was named an All-Star eight times in his 18-year career.