As TV pranks go, it beats Jeremy Beadle's best capers hands down.

In 1997, Anders Limpar, then an Everton player, was fooled into believing he'd travelled two years into the future in a time machine as part of an incredibly elaborate and perfectly orchestrated ruse.

Anders Limpar played for Arsenal between 1990 and 1994 [Photo: Courtesy]

The ambitious tomfoolery involved an aeroplane, fake scientists, fighter jets, the clever use of make-up and even an imposter dog masquerading as his pal's puppy.

And it ended with the 58-cap Sweden star being given some horrifying regarding the World Cup.

Limpar became a fan favourite at Everton [Photo: Courtesy]

The prank, executed for the TV show, Blåsningen, came to light after Lee Dixon was reminded of the story on comedian Josh Widdicombe's podcast, Quickly Kevin; Will he Score? The 90s Football Show.

READ MORE

 Jesus added to Arsenal's Champions League squad

 Injury-hit Arsenal in 'dangerous circle' but Arteta defends training methods

 Arteta fears injury woes will hamper Arsenal title charge

 Arteta takes heart from Arsenal escape in Chelsea duel

Here's how it played out...

The prank begins with Limpar, who played 96 times for Arsenal between 1990 and 1994, about to board a plane from Gothenburg to Stockholm with his friend, Dan.

At the airport, Dan's partner, Mia, is with them along with her puppy.

Bidding farewell to Mia and the young pooch, Limpar and Dan - who along with his partner is in on the joke - take their seats on the plane.

The prank began with Limpar waiting to board his flight to Stockholm [Photo: Courtesy]
The former Sweden international was joined on the flight by 'scientists' [Photo: Courtesy]

They're approached by two 'scientists' who show them a newspaper article explaining that they've developed a method of time travel.

Mid-flight, the scientists, while fiddling with a computer, tell Limpar they're travelling two years into the future before the craft suddenly nosedives.

Limpar looks out of the window to see flying next to the plane.

"Something strange has happened," he says.

A scientist tells him they have been "part of a historical moment".

When they land, they're greeted by an army officer, who explains that statues of them have been installed outside City Hall in recognition of their "heroic" effort.

Limpar looked visibly shocked when the scientist told him they were time traveling [Photo: Courtesy]
Limpar was greeted by an army officer on the ground [Photo: Courtesy]

Much to Limpar's horror, the army officer also tells him that Norway, one of Sweden's closest rivals, won the 1998 World Cup in France.

Mia emerges, appearing slightly older thanks to some clever make-up, along with a fully-grown dog she passes off as the puppy from the airport.

"The dog is bloody enormous," says a shocked Limpar.

In the final act, the military man announces that the King of Norway has arrived.

'His Majesty' turns out to be Lennart Swahn, presenter of Blåsningen.

But the 'King of Norway' was not who he claimed to be [Photo: Courtesy]

Blowing the lid off the joke, he says: “Now it's time to turn time back! Anders, welcome to the best prank in 1997!"

In an interview with Expressen newspaper last year, Limpar praised the attention to detail, insisting he saw the funny side of the prank.

Limpar playing in a 'legends' match for Arsenal in 2016 [Photo: Courtesy]

He said: "It was so damn good. We thought we'd been flying for two years in the future. It was awesome. It is true that what happens then is credible."

Hook, line and sinker, Anders.